A new study published in Scientific Reports confirms that longer wavelengths of sunlight, particularly near-infrared light (850 nm), can penetrate the human body and systemically enhance mitochondrial function, leading to significant improvements in vision.
In the trial involving 40 adults, just 15 minutes of near-infrared light exposure to the back — even through clothing and with the head fully covered — led to marked increases in colour contrast sensitivity 24 hours later.
Researchers demonstrated that infrared light penetrates clothing and skin, reaching internal tissues, and positively affects vision without any direct exposure to the eyes.
The findings suggest that modern environments, which rely on blue-heavy artificial lighting and lack full-spectrum sunlight, may be depriving the body of essential biological inputs crucial for sensory and cellular health.
Image credit: Caitlyn White
