Red Light Infrared Therapy & Eye Health

Infrared Light and Eye Health: What You Should Know

We occasionally receive questions about the potential effects of infrared light on eye health, particularly in relation to cataracts. As a general precaution, we recommend always wearing sunglasses when using infrared bulbs. This is primarily to protect your eyes from brightness and glare, and to safeguard against the unlikely, but possible, event of a bulb shattering. A hot bulb can shatter if exposed to moisture, sweat, or if it is damaged or defective.

It’s important to understand that red light infrared therapy bulbs do not emit UV rays. Based on both personal experience and nearly a decade of research, we have found no evidence of harmful effects from using incandescent red light therapy. On the contrary, many have found it to be deeply healing and beneficial.

In contrast, growing concerns have been raised about blue light exposure from LED lighting and its potential connection to cataract development. Over the past 5–10 years, LED use has become ubiquitous, in streetlights, traffic signals, home and office lighting, schools, TVs, computer monitors, smartphones, appliances, and even car headlights. We are constantly surrounded by artificial blue light, which prompts important questions about its long-term impact on eye health.

Fortunately, solutions exist to help protect your eyes from blue light exposure. We recommend looking into the work of German scientists at Innovative Eyewear, experts in the field of light and vision. They provide valuable information on blue light protection, particularly for older adults. You can learn more here:
🔗 https://www.innovative-eyewear.de/en/blue-light-protection-for-older-people-is-it-necessary/

Note: We are not affiliated with Innovative Eyewear, but we have followed their work for years and have personally purchased several of their products.

—
A Personal Note
Rich, Sauna Comfort – April 14, 2025

This isn’t a scientific study, but I had my annual eye exam today and received some encouraging news. After 11–12 years of using an infrared sauna about three times a week for 25–30 minutes, my optometrist commented that my eyes are equivalent to those of someone 10–15 years younger. I even asked him to repeat it! He confirmed it again and added that this isn’t something he sees often. Jason has run his clinic for 17 years, so I take his comments seriously.

I’m incredibly grateful for that feedback, and I thought it was worth sharing.