Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, utilizes low-level wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity. The light penetrates the tissue and is absorbed by the mitochondria within the cells, increasing the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the primary energy source for cellular repair. This process is entirely non-thermal, meaning the devices do not generate heat that could burn the skin, which differentiates it from potentially harmful light treatments. As a growing number of parents investigate this non-invasive method for their children, the primary question remains whether it is safe for a developing body. This article addresses the overall safety profile of RLT for children and details the necessary protocols for safe use.
Assessing the General Safety Profile for Children
Red light therapy is generally considered to be low-risk when used correctly with appropriate devices and parameters. Unlike ultraviolet (UV) light, which causes cellular damage and increases cancer risk, RLT operates in the visible red and invisible near-infrared spectrums, which do not contain damaging UV rays. The mechanism of RLT is to stimulate repair rather than cause injury, which contributes to its favorable safety profile.
In the United States, many RLT devices are categorized as Class II medical devices and receive Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance for specific uses, such as pain relief or skin treatment. This clearance indicates that the device is substantially equivalent in safety and effectiveness to a legally marketed device already on the market. However, this clearance is for the device’s general use and does not automatically confer specific approval for pediatric applications. Parents must prioritize using an FDA-cleared device and avoid unregulated products.
The fundamental safety consideration is the light’s intensity and exposure time, particularly because children’s skin and developing tissues can be more sensitive than those of adults. The light energy delivered must be carefully controlled to ensure a beneficial effect without causing overstimulation. Consultation with a pediatrician or other healthcare provider is always recommended before starting RLT to ensure it is appropriate for a child’s specific condition and age.
Essential Safety Protocols and Specific Risk Management
The most significant and non-negotiable safety measure when using RLT on a child is mandatory eye protection. The retina, especially the foveal center with its high concentration of photoreceptor cells, is highly sensitive to intense light exposure. Prolonged direct exposure to the high-output LEDs used in some therapy devices can pose a risk of photochemical injury to the eyes.
Protective eyewear, such as opaque goggles specifically designed for RLT, must be worn by the child throughout the entire session, particularly when treating the face or head area. Session duration and device distance also require modification for pediatric use, as children typically require shorter treatments than adults. While adult sessions can range from 15 to 20 minutes, pediatric sessions should generally be limited to 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the child’s age and the device’s intensity.
The device should be positioned at a greater distance from the child’s skin than the minimum distance recommended for adults, typically 12 to 18 inches away, to prevent potential thermal discomfort or minor irritation. This increased distance helps to ensure the skin does not overheat, which is a greater concern for children whose skin is often thinner and more prone to irritation. Before the initial full session, a simple patch test should be conducted on a small, inconspicuous area of skin to check for any adverse reactions or heightened sensitivity.
Common Pediatric Applications and Research Gaps
Parents often investigate RLT for children seeking non-pharmacological support for common issues, including dermatological conditions like eczema and acne, or to accelerate wound and injury healing. The anti-inflammatory and cellular repair-promoting properties of RLT are thought to reduce redness associated with skin flare-ups and speed up the recovery of minor cuts and scrapes. RLT has also been explored for reducing pain from muscle strains in active children and for promoting better sleep quality by supporting the regulation of circadian rhythms.
A promising, yet controversial, application is the use of repeated low-level red light therapy for slowing the progression of childhood myopia, or nearsightedness. Some international studies suggest that specific red light wavelengths can reduce axial elongation of the eye, which is linked to myopia progression. However, this specific application often involves direct, repeated exposure to the eye, which has led to serious safety concerns from organizations like the American Academy of Ophthalmology, and is not yet approved in the United States.
Despite the anecdotal reports and preliminary findings, a substantial lack of large-scale, long-term, randomized controlled clinical trials specifically dedicated to RLT safety and efficacy in developing pediatric populations exists. Many current practices are based on extrapolations from adult studies, which may not fully account for the unique physiological characteristics of children. Therefore, any use of RLT in children should proceed with caution, be supervised by an adult, and occur only after a discussion with a healthcare professional regarding the current state of scientific evidence.