Eye Comfort With LED Face Masks: Built in Shields and Fit
Published October 2026. Updated October 2026.
Quick answer
Follow your manual first. The AWA LX500 product page says to keep your eyes closed during use, and the LX300 is described as an eye shielded design. Near infrared at 850nm is invisible, so you cannot judge by sight whether a mode is running. A mask that fits well keeps the shield or your closed eyelids where they should be. Stop the session if anything feels uncomfortable, and speak to a qualified professional about eye questions.
Why eye comfort is part of mask design
A mask sits within a few centimeters of the eyes, so the question of eye comfort is built into how the device is designed and how you use it. People ask whether they need goggles, whether built in shields are enough, whether it is fine to keep eyes open for a moment, and what to do about glasses. This guide answers those questions in terms of what the AWA product pages say and what a good habit looks like. It is part of our LED face mask series, and our LED face mask guide covers the whole series.
It is not eye care advice. For any question about your eyes, speak to a qualified professional, and follow your manual over anything general.
What the AWA product pages say
| Mask | What the product page says about eyes |
|---|---|
| AWA LX300 | Described as a hands free, eye shielded design |
| AWA LX500 | Says to keep your eyes closed during use; also a hands free liquid silicone mask for the full face |
These are the lines to start from. If your manual gives more detail, such as how to position the mask, follow that. We do not describe what happens if the instructions are ignored, because that is a question for the manual and for a professional.
Built in shields versus closed eyes
A built in shield is a physical part of the mask that sits over or around the eye area. Closed eyes are a habit you provide. They are two layers, not alternatives, and a mask that relies on one still works better when you also do the other. A few practical points:
- A shield only works if it sits where it is meant to. That depends on fit.
- Closed eyelids are easier to keep closed when you are lying back and relaxed than when you are sitting upright and fidgeting.
- Do not remove or modify a shield. If it feels uncomfortable, adjust the fit or stop the session.
- If you are tempted to peek, switch the mask off first.
Invisible light is the reason to be careful
Near infrared at 850nm cannot be seen. That means your eyes give you no warning that this mode is running, the way they would with a bright visible light. On the LX500, near infrared runs in Mode 1 together with red, and again in Mode 3. On the LX300, near infrared is listed as its own mode. Because you cannot judge by sight, rely on the mode indicator and the manual, and keep your eyes closed or shielded as directed whichever mode you choose. Our wavelength guide explains what 850nm is.
LEDs and lasers are not the same category
FDA describes laser hazard classes, with higher classes carrying warning labels, and states that LEDs are not subject to the federal laser product performance standard. That distinction is about regulation, not about whether to take care. It does not mean you can ignore the manual. Keep to the instructions for your device.
A pre session eye comfort checklist
- Check that the shield area or eye cutouts, if your mask has them, are clean and undamaged.
- Remove glasses and contact lenses before putting the mask on.
- Fit the mask while it is switched off and adjust the straps.
- Close your eyes, then switch the mask on.
- If the mask moves or lets in a gap of light, stop, switch off and refit it.
- Keep your eyes closed until the mask has switched off.
Situations and what to do
| Situation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Mask slips during a session | Switch off, refit and tighten the straps before continuing |
| You see light around the edges | Stop, refit, and check that nothing is blocking the shield |
| Eyes feel uncomfortable afterwards | Stop using the mask and speak to a qualified professional |
| You wear glasses | Take them off for the session; see the glasses guide in this series |
| You wear contact lenses | Remove them for the session; check your lens care instructions |
| You have a light sensitivity or take medication | Ask a qualified professional before using any light device |
What about goggles?
People often ask which goggles to wear with a mask. For a mask that already has a shield or tells you to keep your eyes closed, add goggles only if your manual calls for them, and make sure they do not push the mask out of position. Goggles are more common with panels, where the light is not held against the face. Our guide on eye protection with red light devices covers goggles in general.
Common mistakes
- Opening your eyes to check that the mask is working.
- Assuming a near infrared mode is off because nothing is visible.
- Wearing glasses under the mask, which pushes it out of position.
- Using a loose fit and relying on the shield alone.
- Removing or altering a built in shield.
- Ignoring discomfort and pressing on with the session.
- Using goggles that are not described in the manual and that shift the mask.
Related guides
- AWA LX300 features, modes and specs
- AWA LX500 features, modes and specs
- Safety, side effects and honest guidance
Device pages
Read the eye and fit notes on each product page before your first session: AWA LX300 and AWA LX500. Browse the masks collection.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need goggles with an LED face mask?
Follow your manual. The AWA LX500 product page says to keep your eyes closed during use, and the LX300 is described as eye shielded. Add goggles only if your manual calls for them.
Can I keep my eyes open during a session?
Follow the manual. The AWA LX500 product page says to keep your eyes closed during use, and near infrared is invisible, so you cannot judge by sight.
Can I wear glasses under the mask?
Glasses push a mask out of position. Take them off for the session unless your manual says otherwise.
What if the mask lets in light around my eyes?
Switch it off, refit it and adjust the straps. If it still does not sit well, stop using it and contact AWA through our contact page.
Who should I ask about eye questions?
A qualified professional. This guide is general information and is not personal advice for any individual situation.
Sources
- FDA: Laser products and instruments. Describes laser hazard classes and states that LEDs are not subject to the federal laser product performance standard.
- FDA: MedWatch. Describes the FDA safety reporting program, which accepts reports about medical products from health professionals, patients and consumers.
Regulatory note: select devices carry FDA 510(k) clearance for specific, limited uses; most are sold as general wellness products. Masks cleared for the face only. Read each product page and label.
How we create this guide
AWA sells red light therapy devices. We write these guides to explain how devices work and how to choose and use one. This is general information, not medical advice. Read each product page and label. See our editorial standards.