Our eyes are among the most energy-demanding parts of the body. Every day, millions of cells within the retina work continuously to process the light that allows us to see the world around us.
But as we age, the ability of these cells to produce energy naturally declines.
Researchers at University College London have been exploring an interesting question: could brief exposure to a specific wavelength of deep red light help support the function of ageing retinal cells?
Their findings offer an intriguing insight into the emerging science of light and cellular health.
Why does our vision change as we get older?
From around the age of 40, many people begin to notice changes in their vision.
While some changes relate to the eye's ability to focus, others occur within the retina — the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.
The retina contains specialised cells called rods and cones. Rods are particularly important for vision in low light, while cones help us distinguish colours and fine details.
These cells need a considerable amount of energy to function.
That energy is supplied by mitochondria, the tiny structures inside our cells responsible for producing adenosine triphosphate (ATP), often described as the body's cellular energy currency.
As mitochondrial performance changes with age, retinal cells may become less efficient.
This relationship between ageing, energy production and visual function is central to UCL's research.
What did the 2020 UCL study discover?
In June 2020, researchers at UCL's Institute of Ophthalmology published a study investigating whether deep red light could influence age-related changes in visual performance.
The study involved 24 healthy volunteers, aged between 28 and 72.
Participants were given a specially designed LED device emitting 670nm deep red light and asked to use it for three minutes a day over two weeks.
Researchers measured aspects of colour contrast and low-light vision before and after the exposure period.
The results were encouraging.
Among participants aged around 40 and above, some experienced improvements of up to 20% in colour contrast sensitivity, particularly in the blue-yellow colour range.
Improvements in low-light sensitivity were also observed, although the effects were less pronounced.
Younger participants showed no meaningful benefit.
These findings suggested that specific wavelengths of light might influence the performance of ageing retinal cells.
Importantly, this was a small early-stage study. It did not establish that deep red light can correct eyesight, reverse eye disease or replace conventional eye care.
Why is 670nm deep red light so interesting?
The researchers focused on a particular wavelength: 670 nanometres.
Unlike ordinary white light, which contains a mixture of wavelengths, 670nm light sits in the deep red region of the visible spectrum.
Scientists are investigating how selected red and near-infrared wavelengths interact with mitochondria and influence cellular energy processes.
This field of research is known as photobiomodulation.
The proposed mechanism involves light-sensitive processes within cells that may help influence mitochondrial activity.
Because retinal cells have such high energy requirements, they are an important area of investigation.
Further UCL research: Does timing matter?
In November 2021, UCL published further findings exploring whether the time of day influenced the response to deep red light.
In this study, 20 participants were exposed to a single three-minute session of 670nm light in the morning.
Researchers reported an average 17% improvement in one measure of colour contrast sensitivity. Among participants assessed again one week later, improvements were still detectable.
The researchers also explored afternoon exposure and did not observe the same benefit.
The findings raised an interesting possibility: the body's response to light may be influenced by the time of day, reflecting natural daily rhythms in mitochondrial activity.
However, individual responses varied, and larger clinical studies are still needed.
Introducing Eyepower Lux: Inspired by Light Research
At Oxygen Room, we are interested in technologies that bring emerging research in cellular health into practical everyday routines.
Our Eyepower Lux Deep Red Light Glasses are designed around 670nm deep red light, the wavelength investigated in UCL's pioneering eye research.
Developed by UK-based Light Power Health, Eyepower Lux uses a specially designed optical system to distribute deep red light across the field of vision.
Its compact, wearable design offers a convenient way to explore this developing area of light-based wellness at home.
Eyepower Lux is informed by wider scientific research into deep red light. The results of the UCL studies should not be interpreted as clinical proof of the retail device's effectiveness.
Our approach at Oxygen Room
We believe that understanding the science behind a wellness product is just as important as the product itself.
Our clinic brings together hyperbaric oxygen therapy, red and near-infrared light therapy, molecular hydrogen and other approaches connected to cellular health and wellbeing.
Eyepower Lux reflects our interest in carefully selected technologies informed by scientific research.
As research into photobiomodulation continues, we look forward to learning more about the relationship between light, mitochondrial activity and healthy ageing.
Because looking after our health should include looking after the cells that help us experience the world.
Explore Eyepower Lux
Discover our Eyepower Lux Deep Red Light Glasses and learn more about their design, features and recommended use.
Scientific references
1. Original UCL research — 2020
Shinhmar, H., Grewal, M., Sivaprasad, S., Hogg, C., Chong, V., Neveu, M. and Jeffery, G. (2020).
Optically Improved Mitochondrial Function Redeems Aged Human Visual Decline.
The Journals of Gerontology: Series A, 75(9), e49–e52.
DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glaa155
2. Follow-up UCL research — 2021
Weeklong improved colour contrasts sensitivity after single 670 nm exposures associated with enhanced mitochondrial function.
Scientific Reports (2021).
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02311-1
Research note: These studies involved relatively small groups of healthy participants and specific experimental exposure conditions. Eyepower Lux is not presented here as a treatment for vision loss or eye disease. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and consult an appropriately qualified eye-care professional about changes to your eyesight.
