Millions of people worldwide deal with dry eye disease, experiencing burning, scratchy, or watery eyes that make daily life uncomfortable. For some, traditional treatments are not enough — and that’s where red light therapy for eyes (also known as photobiomodulation) comes in.

We'll explain what causes dry eye, how red light therapy works at a cellular level, and why devices like Arunalight are generating excitement among both dry eye sufferers and eye care professionals.

The Everyday Reality of Dry Eye

If your eyes:

• Feel scratchy or gritty

• Burn after a day on the computer

• Water excessively in wind or dry environments

…you are not alone. Dry eye disease affects millions globally and can impact reading, driving, working, and overall quality of life.

Why Dry Eye Happens

Dry eye typically develops for three main reasons:

• Tear Quantity Is Too Low – The eyes do not produce enough watery layer.

• Tear Quality Is Poor – The oily layer of the tear film is thin or malfunctioning, causing tears to evaporate too quickly.

• Inflammation or Gland Dysfunction – Especially in the meibomian glands, which make the tear film’s protective oil layer.

Factors like screen time, dry indoor air, contact lens use, and aging can make these issues worse, leading to persistent discomfort.

Conventional Dry Eye Treatments

The mainstay of dry eye management includes:

• Artificial tears & lubricating gels

• Warm compresses and eyelid massages

• Eyelid hygiene routines and hypochlorous sprays

• Prescription anti-inflammatory drops

• Nutritional supplements like omega-3s

• In-office therapies such as IPL (intense pulsed light), LipiFlow, or radiofrequency

These treatments are proven and remain first-line care. But there’s growing interest in complementary, non-invasive therapies like red light therapy that work at the cellular level to further enhance results.

What Is Red Light Therapy?

Red light therapy (RLT) — also called photobiomodulation — uses visible red light in the 600–700 nanometer (nm) range to gently stimulate cellular activity.

• This light is low-energy and does not damage or overheat tissues.

• When absorbed by mitochondria (the energy centers of cells), it can:

  • Boost cellular energy production (ATP)

  • Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress

  • Improve microcirculation and tissue repair

It's very different from stronger, high-energy light sources that can stress tissues. Deep red light is gentle and low-energy, so it does not damage or overheat tissues. Instead, it offers a soft light that cells can absorb and use to help with their normal repair and energy processes.

Studies in dermatology and sports medicine already support its benefits for skin healing, muscle recovery, and inflammation reduction — and now it’s being applied to eye health.

Red Light Therapy & Eye Health

In eye health, red light therapy is promising for helping with:

• Reducing eyelid and ocular surface inflammation

• Supporting meibomian gland function for a healthier oil layer and slower tear evaporation

• Improving local blood flow around the eyes

These benefits can mean less irritation, better comfort, and potentially less reliance on drops, especially when combined with good eyelid hygiene and existing dry eye treatments.

Safety, Research & Growing Confidence

Because the eyes are delicate, safety is the top priority. Research so far shows that low-level red light (~670 nm), applied with eyes closed and for short recommended durations, is well tolerated.

Clinical studies and real-world reports suggest:

• Fewer dry eye symptoms

• Improved comfort

• Better meibomian gland function

• More stable tear film

Ongoing research is refining optimal treatment frequency, duration, and identifying who benefits most, but we are excited about it (so far) confirming benefits, refining how often and how long treatments should be, and understanding who benefits most. Many dry eye sufferers report less irritation, better comfort, more stable tears, and healthier eyelid gland function.

Spotlight on Arunalight

Arunalight is a Health Canada–licensed, medical-grade red light device designed for at-home use.

Key Features:

• Emits 670 nm red light for optimal mitochondrial absorption

• Designed to support ocular blood flow and comfort

• Can complement other dry eye therapies, not replace them

Potential Applications:

• Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD)

• Dry eye disease

• Ocular surface inflammation

• Early support in age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

💡 Tip: Always consult your optometrist or ophthalmologist before starting red light therapy to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific eye health needs.

Bottom Line

Dry eye disease is highly manageable, and for many patients, adding red light therapy offers another layer of relief. By working at the cellular level, devices like Arunalight can complement lubricating drops, eyelid hygiene, and in-office procedures to improve overall ocular comfort.

If you are still experiencing symptoms despite conventional care, consider asking your eye doctor about red light photobiomodulation therapy. With regulatory clearance such as Health Canada licensing for devices like Arunalight and encouraging study results, many are finding it a helpful addition.

Reading and References

1. Photobiomodulation in Ophthalmology: Current Status – Garg D. et al., 2024. Review article showing PBM helps increase tear production and reduce inflammation in dry eye. PMC
   
   
2. Photobiomodulation use in ophthalmology – an overview of translational research from bench to bedside – Valter K. et al., 2024. Summarizes preclinical and clinical evidence across many eye conditions. Frontiers
   
   
3. Current Applications and Future Perspectives of Photobiomodulation in Ocular Diseases – Cannas C. et al., 2024. Discusses PBM’s use in ocular surface disease like dry eye, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy. MDPI
   
   
4. Dry Eye Disease Management Via Technological Methods – Ben Ephraim Noyman D. et al., 2025. Covers emerging device-based therapies including photobiomodulation for dry eye and meibomian gland dysfunction. Springer
   
   
5. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of RCTs for Photobiomodulation in Dry AMD – Rassi T. N. O. et al., 2024. Meta-analysis showing improvements in visual acuity and reductions in drusen volume. BMC Retina & Vitreous