How targeted red light can improve eyesight

How cool would it be if eyesight didn't deteriorate with age?

A new study, published in Scientific Reports, sheds new light (pun intended) on the topic of red light and its positive effects on the human body.

The study's findings are particularly interesting for older people who would like to regain some of their youth.

The effect of red light on eyesight

The aim of the study was to observe how daily exposure to deep red light (with a wavelength of about 670nm) affects the function of mitochondria in the human retina. However, it can be assumed that light with a wavelength of approximately 660nm has very similar effects.

Study procedure:

The human retina has a very high energy demand in aging individuals and shows a stronger decline in mitochondrial function.

Therefore, in the experiment, various individuals between the ages of 34 and 70 were exposed to light in their dominant eye for a duration of 3 minutes. Either in the morning between 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. or in the afternoon between 12:00 and 1:00 p.m.

The difference in the times of day during treatment proved to be an important factor for the effect of light on the eye. For example, subjects whose eyes were exposed to light in the morning subsequently had better color contrast perception than those exposed to light in the afternoon.

The result indicates that 670nm light can improve the function of cone photoreceptors in older individuals to a level normally only found in much younger individuals - if the eye is exposed to it daily in the morning for 3 minutes.

Simply put: red light can help older people see better again!

Why the increased function of mitochondria is so important

Mitochondria are known as the powerhouses of a cell. They are the element in our cells that generates energy and thus makes all processes in our body possible in the first place.

However, with increasing age, the functionality of mitochondria decreases. This in turn means a limited functionality of our body the older we get.

Red light, as not only this scientific study has shown, can intervene precisely here and counteract this age-related decline somewhat. This is because red light activates the mitochondria in the cells and ensures that they continue to diligently produce energy.

The study mentioned above specifically focused on the effect of deep red light on the color perception of human eyes. This too is essentially due to the increased performance of the mitochondria in the photoreceptor cells.

It is also exciting that mammals can perceive light not only through their eyes, but also through their skin - although one cannot speak of conscious perception here. It is more about the fact that the skin also has light-sensitive cells.

In this respect, light in the deep red wavelength range can also be perceived through the skin and make mitochondria more functional not only in the eye.

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The problem: Red light in the right wavelength range is not always available

Although we humans have been constantly surrounded by various light sources since electric light sources were introduced, unfortunately, this is not the red light that brings the health benefits mentioned here, but mostly very cold light.

Red light, which is exactly in the wavelength range of 670nm, is rarely available. However, even the well-known red light lamps, which are often used in Germany for irradiation, are not suitable for irradiating the eyes. The classic red light lamp, as the name suggests, emits red light, but this is far too intense and can therefore even have negative effects on the eye.

However, there are now some manufacturers who produce devices specifically designed for cold red light. These devices emit light with a wavelength of about 670nm and with an intensity that is tolerable for the eyes if you look into it for only 1-3 minutes.

Benefit directly from the advantages of red light at home

Fortunately, you don't have to be a participant in a scientific study to benefit from the advantages of red light mentioned here. With the Clearlight Red Light Tower as an upgrade to our infrared cabins and with the red light devices from Helsi, which also have integrated near-infrared lamps, you get absolute high-end devices for your home.

In addition to improved eyesight, red light devices offer other advantages, which is why the products are so well received.

Red light has a lot to offer

The insights that research gains from experiments with red light are increasing daily. We see again and again that there is still an enormous amount of unexplored territory in this area.

But the more scientifically proven results there are, the clearer it becomes why more and more people are opting for red light.

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