A groundbreaking new study published July 8, 2025 reveals that near‑infrared (NIR) light, specifically 850  nm, can penetrate the human torso (even through clothing) and significantly improve vision 24 hours after just a single 15‑minute LED exposure, even when the eyes are shielded from direct light. 

Researchers used sunlight transmitted through the thorax to identify this NIR band, then delivered it to volunteers under controlled conditions, with and without their eyes covered. Remarkably, participants saw improved color contrast sensitivity, even when their eyes were completely blocked, emphasizing a body‑wide, systemic effect. 

Why does it work? NIR light between ~660–1000 nm is absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores, enhancing mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP production, especially in tissues weakened by age or disease. The retina, packed with energy-hungry photoreceptors, is especially responsive. Even indirect NIR exposure seems to supercharge retinal function via systemic mitochondrial support. 

What This Means for You

• Rethink light as therapy, not just illumination. This study suggests that longer wavelengths in natural sunlight, invisible to the human eye, may offer healing benefits beyond what our eyes perceive.

• Indoor lighting matters. Modern lighting (especially LED) typically cuts out these longer wavelengths, potentially depriving our biology of essential support. 

• Light therapy reimagined. NIR exposure doesn’t have to hit your eyes directly to benefit them. There's potential in whole-body, indirect approaches.

Why Isolated Blue Light Is a Concern and How Ra Optics Helps

Now, let’s consider the flip side: isolated blue light, especially from artificial sources, is known to have detrimental effects on the eyes, mitochondria, and vision.

• Oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Blue light (particularly high-energy visible light below ~450 nm) can drive excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), damaging mitochondria and impairing cellular energy production.

• Eye strain and visual fatigue. Blue light contributes to digital eye strain, glare, and discomfort, disrupting clarity and visual endurance. 

• Disrupted cellular rhythms. Blue light, at the wrong time of day, disrupts circadian signaling and overwhelms retinal mitochondria during times when light isn’t naturally supportive. 

Together, this underscores the need to filter out harmful blue/LED emissions while preserving, or simply adding back in, longer, healing wavelengths.

Ra Optics Daylight Lenses: Bringing Balance Indoors

Here’s how Ra Optics' Daylight lenses fit into this picture:

• Shield the harmful. They block harmful blue light that drives oxidative stress and cellular imbalance in the eyes.

• Preserve the beneficial. Longer wavelengths like NIR and deep red pass through, supporting mitochondrial function and circadian alignment. This is especially important when adding back infrared light into indoor environments through incandescent bulbs or NIR containing LEDs. 

• Enhance visual comfort and protection. By letting beneficial longer wavelengths in while blocking harmful blue, Daylight lenses ease eye strain and glare, and support both clarity and cellular health.

Final Thought: Embrace the Full Spectrum 

Light isn't just about what we see; it’s about how our cells thrive. This new study shows that healing wavelengths can reach deep tissues and benefit our vision directly and indirectly. Meanwhile, unchecked blue light continues to challenge retinal health. That’s why wearing Ra Optics Daylight indoors isn't just about comfort; it’s a smart move toward supporting mitochondrial health and preserving vision.