February 20, 2025

Research: Red Light Therapy for Myopia, Violet Photobiomodulation for Depression & Insight into Neuropsin OPN5

56 minutes

Red light therapy and eye health always seems to be a hot topic and somewhat polarizing. On one side, there is all of this amazing photobiomodulation research demonstrating the eye health benefits via RLT. On the other hand, aren't you supposed to wear protective goggles when you do your red light therapy?

I discuss my thoughts on the above, and more, when I dive into today's first study that looks at red light therapy for low-to-moderate myopia. I also discuss the physiology and pathology that leads to early onset (and, by nature, full blown) myopia. Hint, hint — blue light may play a critical role. I outline what I would do for an eye treatment and provide insight as to what someone should consider in a device if eye health is the main motivation.

In the second article that is hot sizzling off the press, we take a special detour to look at the impact of violet light and its photobiomodulation effects on depression. There is some fun rabbit holes secondary to this study, such as learning the impact of violet light for circadian rhythm, the role of OPN5 (a special neuropsin that plays a role in depression) and much more!

If you found the information in today's episode particularly interesting and/or compelling, please share it with a family member, friend, colleague and/or anyone that you think could benefit and be illuminated by this knowledge. Sharing is caring :)

As always, light up your health!

Key Points:

[00:13] The Mitochondrial Triad Overview
[01:11] Special Announcement: Health Optimization Summit
[03:10] BioBlue Testimonials
[08:50] Insights on Mitochondrial Health
[13:07] Research: Myopia Study
[19:07] Study Findings
[21:15] Blue Light and Eye Health
[22:00] Red Light Therapy and Eye Health
[22:37] Mitochondria in the Eye
[22:54] Safety Considerations
[23:27] Dosage and Tissue Penetration
[24:46] Practical Dosage Guidelines
[26:02] Device Recommendations
[32:30] Treatment Frequency
[33:53] Research: Violet light photobiomodulation for depression
[35:23] Study Methodology
[36:15] Results and Effectiveness
[36:42] Understanding OPN5 and Violet Light
[38:18] Light Exposure and Mood Regulation
[39:34] Seasonal Affective Disorder [SAD] and Light Therapy
[40:12] Hormonal and Neurotransmitter Balance
[40:57] Melatonin and Mitochondrial Function
[41:13] Optimizing OPN5 Activation
[42:28] Blue Light Blocking Recommendations
[42:55] Key Takeaways on OPN5 and Depression
[44:07] Research Limitations on Violet Light Therapy
[45:19] Why 40-Hz Pulsed Frequency Matters
[46:08] Benefits of Different Pulsed Frequencies
[47:49] 40-Hz Pulsed Frequency and Mitochondrial Efficiency
[48:35] Future Research Considerations
[50:30] Practical Light Therapy Recommendations
[51:25] BioLight’s Shine handheld device incorporates 40-Hz Pulsed Frequency
[52:52] Methylene Blue and Light Therapy
[53:36] Final Thoughts and Future Content

Articles referenced in episode:

Short-term effectiveness and safety of photobiomodulation on low-to-moderate myopia

Violet light photobiomodulation therapy for depression: A double-blind randomized crossover trial

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Water products: Water & Wellness

Grounding products: Earthing.com

EMF-mitigating products: Somavedic

Blue light-blocking glasses: Ra Optics

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