Should You Close Your Eyes During Red Light Therapy?

Eye safety is an important consideration during red light therapy sessions. While red and near-infrared wavelengths are generally considered safe when used properly, the brightness of therapy devices can still be uncomfortable for the eyes.

For this reason, many experts recommend closing the eyes or using protective eyewear when the light source is positioned near the face.

Understanding Light Intensity

Red light therapy devices are designed to deliver a concentrated amount of light energy to the skin. Although this light is not the same as ultraviolet radiation from the sun, the brightness can still be intense, especially when the device is positioned close to the face.

Directly staring into a bright light source may cause temporary discomfort or visual strain.

Closing the eyes during treatment helps reduce this discomfort.

Facial Treatments and Eye Safety

When performing facial red light therapy—such as using an LED mask or handheld device—closing the eyes is generally recommended.

This simple precaution helps protect the eyes from unnecessary light exposure while still allowing the therapy to benefit the surrounding skin.

Many LED masks also include built-in eye shields to reduce brightness in the eye area.

When Eyes May Remain Open

If the treatment area is far from the face—such as the legs, back, or shoulders—keeping the eyes open may not pose a problem as long as the light source is not shining directly into the eyes.

However, avoiding direct eye exposure is still recommended.

Comfort During Treatment

Closing the eyes during therapy also makes the session more relaxing. Many users treat red light therapy as a quiet wellness practice, using the time to rest, meditate, or simply relax.

This approach can enhance the overall experience.