Published: 01.06.2026 Updated: 21.07.2026

Red light therapy for eyes

By Aimee Jansen7 min read

The skin around your eyes is thin, sensitive and often the first place where tiredness and fine lines become visible. It's only natural, then, to wonder what red light therapy can actually do here, and whether it's even safe so close to your eyes. Red light therapy uses gentle, visible red and near-infrared light from LEDs, without needles and without any procedure. Around the eyes it isn't about your eyesight, but about the appearance of the delicate skin surrounding them and about how you use the device safely.

At Maxi Meilleur we make this non-invasive way of skincare accessible for use at home, with clear explanations, personal guidance and masks that come with eye protection. We don't promise miracles, but we give you honest information and realistic expectations, so you can get started with peace of mind. In this article you'll read how safe red light therapy is around your eyes, what it can do for the skin in that area and what to look out for.

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Is red light therapy safe for your eyes?

For most people, red light therapy is a safe, non-invasive way of skincare, as long as you use the device as intended. Maxi Meilleur's masks work with visible red and near-infrared light, a low-intensity light source that emits no UV radiation.

The sensitivity lies mainly in your eyes themselves, not in your skin. Bright light shining straight into your eyes is never pleasant, which is why you always use red light therapy with your eyes closed and with the included eye protection. If you're unsure whether the lamps could do any harm, it helps to know that this type of light is low in intensity. In our article on whether infrared light is harmful we take a closer look at the safety of near-infrared. If you have an existing eye condition, consult your ophthalmologist or optometrist first.

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What does red light therapy do for the skin around the eyes?

Around your eyes, red light therapy focuses on the appearance of the skin, not on your eyes or your vision. It's precisely here that the skin is thin and delicate, which means tiredness, dull patches and fine lines quickly become visible. The different colours of light each have their own area of focus, something we describe in more detail in our overview of the different colours of light in an LED mask. For the area around the eyes, these are the points that users are looking for most:

• A fresher, more rested appearance: with regular use, many users find that the area around the eyes looks less tired.
• Fine lines less visible: red and near-infrared light are studied in scientific literature in relation to the skin, and can help the skin look smoother (Hamblin, 2017; Wunsch & Matuschka, 2014).
• A more even, more radiant complexion: the gentle light helps the skin around the eyes look more even and better cared for.
• A natural addition to your routine: as a non-invasive treatment, a session fits easily into your regular skincare routine.

Important to remember: red light therapy is intended to help the skin look better, not to address eye complaints or your vision itself. The results are cosmetic and build up gradually with consistent use, so expect a gradual improvement rather than an immediate effect (Couturaud et al., 2023).

Does red light therapy contain harmful UV radiation?

No, red light therapy does not contain UV radiation. This is exactly the difference from the sun or a tanning bed: those emit UV light that can damage the skin, whereas LED masks work with visible red light and near-infrared light. Those wavelengths lie at the other end of the spectrum and involve no UV exposure (Salamon, 2025). For your eyes and for the skin around them, that's reassuring, because it's precisely UV radiation that your eyes need to be protected from.

It's understandable that the terms get mixed up, because red, infrared and UV are often mentioned in the same breath. Yet they are different types of light with a very different effect. We explain the distinction more clearly in our article on whether red light therapy is the same as infrared.

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Do you need to close your eyes during red light therapy?

Yes, you close your eyes during a red light therapy session. Maxi Meilleur's masks come with eye protection that you place in front of the mask, and the advice is to keep your eyes closed for as long as the light is on. Not because the light directly damages your eyes, but because bright light shining straight into your eyes is unpleasant, and this way you get through the entire session comfortably and safely.

The eye protectors are marked with an L and an R, so you can easily place them in the right position. In addition, stick to the recommended intensity and build up gradually, and the treatment stays comfortable. If you do experience any discomfort in your eyes, stop the session and, in the case of persistent complaints, consult an ophthalmologist.

When is red light therapy not safe for your eyes?

Red light therapy is safe for most people, but there are situations in which it's better not to use the mask around your eyes, or to seek advice first. This mainly has to do with your eyes' sensitivity to light and with existing conditions. In these cases, caution is warranted:

• With a genetic eye condition: if you have a hereditary eye condition, don't use the mask and consult a doctor or ophthalmologist.
• With light sensitivity: if you are sensitive to light or have a condition that causes light sensitivity, red light therapy is not suitable for you.
• When using photosensitive products: avoid a session on the same day that you use products with photosensitive ingredients.
• With an underlying medical condition: consult a specialist first if you are undergoing treatment or taking medication that makes you more sensitive to light.

If you're unsure whether red light therapy suits your situation, err on the side of caution and seek advice from a doctor. We list the key points to keep in mind in our article on who is better off not using a red light mask.

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Using red light therapy safely around your eyes with Maxi Meilleur

Around your eyes, red light therapy comes down to two things: helping the delicate skin in that area look better cared for and using the device safely. With your eyes closed, the included eye protection and a gradual build-up, you enjoy your session in a pleasant, non-invasive way. That's how an LED mask becomes a regular, relaxed moment in your routine instead of something to worry about.

If you'd like to get started with this, you'll find a wide range at Maxi Meilleur. Browse our collection of red light therapy masks if you're specifically after these wavelengths, discover the complete range of LED masks for the whole face, or take a look at our infrared masks if you're mainly interested in near-infrared light. If you're still unsure which model suits you, we're happy to help you through our personal guidance, so you start out with realistic expectations and a safe feeling.

Sources

The sources below concern red and near-infrared light in general and do not relate to any specific product or mask from Maxi Meilleur.

Couturaud, V., Le Fur, M., Pelletier, M., & Granotier, F. (2023). Reverse skin aging signs by red light photobiomodulation. Skin Research and Technology, 29, e13391. https://doi.org/10.1111/srt.13391

Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337–361. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5523874/

Salamon, M. (2025, 21 oktober). Red light therapy for skin care. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/red-light-therapy-for-skin-care

Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in patient satisfaction, reduction of fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and intradermal collagen density increase. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93–100. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3926176/

Aimee Jansen

Content expert at Maxi Meilleur

As Content & Social Media Marketing specialist at Maxi Meilleur, I'm responsible for everything to do with our online articles, such as the skincare and infrared blogs. I develop content strategies and write articles for both the shop and our social media channels. With over 15 years of experience as a skincare user expert and already 7 years of experience in digital marketing, I know better than anyone how to create valuable, reliable content that actually helps you!

Read more about Aimee