One of the most common questions I receive from patients using The NovoTHOR is – “Should I be wearing protective eyewear during my session?”
It’s an excellent question, and one that deserves a thoughtful answer.
Recently, one of my patients, an ophthalmic surgeon, asked exactly this. He mentioned that he was aware of research suggesting that long-term exposure to certain types of light may contribute to eye problems, including lens damage and/or age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Rather than simply relying on what I had previously been told, I decided to revisit the evidence myself. I contacted THOR Photomedicine, the manufacturer of The NovoTHOR, to clarify their current position and reviewed the scientific literature surrounding photobiomodulation (PBM) and eye safety.
Here’s what I found.
Not All Light Is the Same
When people hear the phrase “light therapy,” it’s easy to assume that all forms of light behave in the same way.
In reality, different wavelengths of light have very different biological effects.
For decades, researchers have recognised that ultraviolet (UV) and sufficiently intense short-wavelength blue light can damage ocular tissues under certain exposure conditions. This is why we wear sunglasses outdoors and why eye protection is essential when working with certain lasers or UV light sources.
The NovoTHOR, however, does not emit blue or ultraviolet light.
Instead, it uses two longer wavelengths:
- 660 nm red light
- 850 nm near-infrared light
These wavelengths behave very differently from blue and UV light and have been extensively studied in the field of photobiomodulation.
How Is Eye Safety Assessed?
As a medical device, The NovoTHOR is required to comply with internationally recognised safety standards before it can be marketed.
These include internationally accepted standards relating to photobiological safety, such as IEC 62471, which assesses the potential hazards of light sources to the eyes and skin.
Manufacturers of certified medical devices must demonstrate compliance through testing and independent verification as part of their regulatory approval process.
In other words, eye safety isn’t simply based on opinion, it forms part of the regulatory framework that medical device manufacturers are required to satisfy.
Why Isn’t Protective Eyewear Routinely Required?
Based on the manufacturer’s guidance, routine protective eyewear is not required during normal use of The NovoTHOR.
Unlike laser systems, The NovoTHOR uses LED technology, and its optical safety has been evaluated as part of its medical device certification.
That said, the LEDs are very bright.
Many patients naturally prefer to relax with their eyes closed during treatment, and anyone who finds the light uncomfortable is welcome to wear protective eyewear for comfort.
What Does the Research Say About Protective Eyewear?
Interestingly, the scientific literature surrounding red and near-infrared photobiomodulation has expanded considerably over the past decade.
Rather than demonstrating retinal injury, a number of clinical studies have investigated whether these wavelengths may actually benefit certain retinal conditions, particularly dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
The most extensively studied system is the Valeda® Light Delivery System, which uses wavelengths similar to those used in photobiomodulation devices (including red and near-infrared light). Clinical trials have reported improvements in visual function for some patients with dry AMD, while also demonstrating a favourable safety profile with no evidence of phototoxicity during the study periods.
Importantly, these studies relate to a specific medical device used under controlled clinical conditions. They should not be interpreted as meaning that every red-light device will produce the same results or that red light is a treatment for eye disease in general.
The research is promising, but as with many areas of medicine it continues to evolve. Recent reviews also note that while the short- and medium-term safety data are encouraging, further long-term research will continue to strengthen our understanding.
My Approach
As a healthcare practitioner, my role is not to overstate what the evidence shows, nor to dismiss reasonable questions from patients.
When concerns are raised, I believe it’s important to:
- review the available evidence,
- seek clarification from the manufacturer where appropriate,
- and provide patients with balanced, evidence-informed information.
Based on the currently available evidence, together with the manufacturer’s guidance and the regulatory standards governing the device, I am comfortable using and recommending The NovoTHOR without routine protective eyewear during normal treatment sessions.
Having said this, if a patient prefers to wear eye protection for comfort, they are always welcome to do so.
Likewise, anyone with a specific eye condition or concerns about their vision should discuss these with their ophthalmologist or treating eye specialist, who is best placed to provide advice tailored to their individual circumstances.
The Bottom Line
The question of eye safety is an important one, and I’m grateful when patients ask thoughtful questions.
Current evidence indicates that:
- The NovoTHOR uses red (660 nm) and near-infrared (850 nm) light, not blue or ultraviolet light.
- The device is manufactured to comply with internationally recognised medical device safety standards for optical safety.
- Routine protective eyewear is not required by the manufacturer during normal use.
- Clinical studies investigating red and near-infrared photobiomodulation for retinal disease have reported favourable safety outcomes without evidence of phototoxicity under the treatment protocols studied.
As always, if new high-quality evidence emerges, I’ll continue to review it and update my recommendations accordingly. My priority is, and always will be, providing care that is both safe and evidence-informed.
References
- IEC 62471 – Photobiological Safety of Lamps and Lamp Systems.
- Boyer DS et al. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Photobiomodulation in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (LIGHTSITE III: 24-Month Analysis).
- Burton BJL et al. LIGHTSITE II Randomized Multicenter Trial.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeWiki. Photobiomodulation in Retina Diseases.
