The light of truth has proven that infrared frequency is among the most healthful in the full spectrum of the sun’s radiance. A recent study published in July of 2025 has demonstrated that infrared light on its own, independent from red light, can and does improve vision, energy conversion rates, and lengthen the lifespan of small animals. (1)
Age-related macular degeneration for many individuals seems to be an inevitable portion of the aging process, but recent research demonstrates that exposure to infrared light at 880 nanometers can actually improve vision.
Furthermore, a lack of energy and overall vigor for life can feel like an inevitable part of growing old. But exposure to infrared light either through sunlight or an infrared light panel mitochondrial function can improve in clinically significant ways to offer more available energy for the body.
Finally, while it may be difficult to measure extended lifespan in humans due to the amount of time needed for the research, it can be proven that exposure to infrared light does lengthen the lifespan of smaller animals.
If you have been exposing yourself to infrared light before this new data has come in, then you can give yourself a pat on the back because this means that you have been improving your healthspan actively. Now, reputable peer reviewed journals have published Dr. Glen Jeffrey’s newest research so that we can all know infrared light verifiably improves vision, energy levels, and life expectancy (at least in smaller animals whose life duration can be measured). (1)
Find out all of the details from this study so that you can begin to replicate the results on your own to improve vision and overall available energy, and perhaps even extent your healthspan!
How the Experiment was Conducted: A Human Subject Base Comparing Infrared Light Exposure From the Sun Versus Artificial Infrared Light Panels
Find out the details of how the experiment was conducted on human subjects so that you can replicate its exciting findings on your own. Dr. Glen Jeffrey, lead researcher on this paper has over 200 publications on light and human physiology. Much of his research has focused on red light, but this time around he, along with his team mates, closely examined how infrared light affects human vision, and inadvertently other aspects of health and wellness.
This exciting new publication from July of 2025 can be found in the National Library of Medicine and is entitled ‘Longer wavelengths in sunlight pass through the human body and have a systemic impact which improves vision’ (1). The lead author, Dr. Jeffrey embarks on an experiment that includes 40 caucasian adults of both sexes, between the ages of 25 and 63. All of the participants were ethically approved by City St George’s, University of London. (1)
The study primarily focused on penetration of infrared light through the thorax both from sunlight, and also from infrared light paneling measured at 880 nanometers. Both the sunlight and the artificial infrared light passed through the entire thorax and was measured using an infrared camera to detect the level of penetration from the light. As a control, another group of individuals were exposed to non infrared light as a sham, and the thorax was not penetrated. (1)
During exposure to infrared light the subjects did not wear any clothing. it does appear that infrared light can and does penetrate beyond clothing, though the efficacy may be slightly better without clothes. (1)
This experiment specifically focused on infrared light as measured at 880 nanometers in both natural light as well as artificial paneled light.
When exposed to infrared light the entire body is saturated and penetrated by this light. this powerful wavelength is so potent as it moves through the insides of the body and inevitably affects physiological change. (1) The study found that the entire body was absorbed by the infrared light both by the subjects exposed to sunlight and those exposed to artificial infrared light, that the primary improvement was to mitochondrial function and vision.
The authors of the study write this about infrared light.
“This study shows that longer wavelengths in sunlight are transmitted through the body. When these are presented via NIR LEDs in a laboratory-controlled environment at much lower energies, they again have the ability to be transmitted through the body and also are associated with improved visual function independent of ocular exposure. Hence, body penetration by longer wavelengths impacts systemically.” (1)
Regardless, if you garnish your infrared light from the sun or via an artificial source such as a heating panel in an infrared sauna the effects are comparable. The infrared light as seen in the sun, is more powerful than the artificial infrared light, but both do saturate the entirety of the body.
So, how can infrared light improve vision? Find out how stimulating mitochondrial function systemically with infrared light can improve vision in a relatively short amount of time.
Why is Eye Sight Improved with Exposure to Infrared Light?
This study found that exposure to infrared light improved vision. Now, it may seem strange that spending time in front of an infrared light panel could improve your vision, in fact, in many ways it seems counterintuitive.
Here is how the researchers were able to measure vision improvements in this study.
“The assessment of visual function was based on color contrast detection thresholds. Color contrast was chosen because with age cone photoreceptors have reduced function mainly due to mitochondrial decline. However, these cells rarely die, making them ideal for optical manipulation to improve mitochondrial performance.” (1,3)
The subjects were tested on their color contrast detection before and after exposure to infrared light on all days of the experiment. Some of the subjects had their heads covered with aluminium foil, while others did not.
“Hence, a subgroup had their heads wrapped in aluminium foil to block ocular exposure arising from reflections.” (1)
Independent of visual exposure to infrared light, vision was improved across all participants. The authors conclusively write this about improving vision with exposure to infrared light.
“Consistent with this, in human subjects, long wavelength application results in improved visual function…Further, that these have the ability to improve visual function independent of ocular involvement. “ (1)
The core reason why vision improves with exposure to infrared light appears to be the remarkable uptake in mitochondrial activity. While the entire body feels the effects of improved mitochondrial function, the eyes in particular experience a positive uptake in function because there are more mitochondria in this tissue than in any other part of the body.(1) The authors of the study write this surrounding vision improvement and the presence of a high concentration of mitochondria.
“The outer retina contains more mitochondria than any other tissue, with a high metabolic rate and a concomitant rapid pace of aging.” (1)
So, if you want to maintain or improve your vision as you age then ensure that you are exposed to infrared light (not necessarily your eyes) for a few minutes every day!
Mitochondrial Function Improves With Exposure to Infrared Light
You may wonder why mitochondria are so responsive to infrared light. This is because the mitochondria are particularly sensitive to the light frequency of infrared light and usher these photons in to improve ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production.
The authors of this research write this regarding mitochondria and infrared light.
“Mitochondria are light sensitive. Longer wavelengths (approximately 660–1000 nm) increase mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production particularly when they have declined with age or disease and can improve performance” (1)
Even a small dose of infrared light can improve available energy in the body for either healing purposes, or to be transmuted into actionable energy. This is not borrowed energy as experienced in a caffeinated drink, but real usable energy to improve overall health and reduce the age related physical decline.
“Light in the 850 nm range that is found in sunlight shows a clear ability to penetrate deeply through the body and it is likely that such wavelengths improve mitochondrial function that likely impacts on physiological ability.” (1)
Whether you have time to go outside and experience infrared light naturally in the sunlight, or have access to an infrared sauna or light panel, you could be able to increase ATP production, and possibly even improve your overall lifespan.
”Longer wavelengths improve mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production and improve function in a species conserved pattern that can impact on mobility, visual function and cognition, particularly in aging. In short lived animals they can extend the average life span.” (1 (4,5,6))
Improve motor skills, vision, and potentially lifespan with a few minutes a day of exposure to infrared light either from the sun or from an artificial source. The authors of this research conclude by commenting on the lasting effects of infrared light exposure up to several days afterward.
“This suggests that the NIR is generating a long-lasting photocatalyst. This has not been identified but could be associated with the orchestration of the mechanisms that control the balance of ROS and antioxidants that maintain full mitochondrial function.” (1)
Furthermore, the authors suggest limiting exposure to short wavelength indoor LED lights that are prevalent in living and working environments today. These short frequency lights tend to increase blood pressure as well as dysregulate glucose levels. (1) If you have to be exposed to LED indoor lights then try to balance this out with sunlight, and at the very least infrared light panels.
Find out how you can improve vision, available physiological energy, and potentially improve your life span with exposure to infrared light.
From Home Improve Your Vision, Reduce Age Related Degeneration, and Potentially Extend Your Lifespan With Exposure to Infrared Light
The amazing thing about getting your dose of infrared light daily is that all you have to do is walk outside. Infrared light exists naturally in the sun’s spectrum of radiance. If you are concerned about burning your skin, then make sure that you go outside earlier or later in the day when UV light is less present. You can also dial in your infrared light exposure by using an infrared light sauna at a low heat.
The panels in your infrared sauna emmit frequencies in the 880 nanometer frequency and penetrate through the body saturating all of your cells and mitochondria. So, if you cannot get outside, your infrared sauna can and does meet the criteria necessary to improve vision, augment mitochondrial function, and possibly improve your lifespan.
If possible, find a way to expose yourself to infrared light daily for at least 20 minutes. The effects of this exposure will last up to several days afterward. If you have any questions about the research discussed here please refer to the sources cited below for direct access to the experiments.
If you have any health concerns and are unsure if exposing yourself to infrared light is right for you, then please consult with your medical care practitioner first.
Sources Cited:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12238558/
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/common-age-related-eye-problems
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8613193/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24631333/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22595370/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28917665/