Our Methodology

How we grade evidence, review devices, calculate doses, and maintain editorial independence.

How We Grade Evidence

Every condition and treatment claim on RedLightOS is assigned an evidence grade. These grades reflect the volume, quality, and consistency of the available peer-reviewed research. We do not grade based on manufacturer claims, testimonials, or anecdotal reports.

Our grading system is intentionally conservative. A condition receives a high grade only when multiple independent research groups have produced consistent results using rigorous methodology. Promising preliminary findings receive lower grades until they are replicated.

Grade A — Strong Evidence

Criteria: Multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs), at least one systematic review or meta-analysis, and consistent positive findings across independent research groups.

What this means: There is strong clinical evidence that red light therapy produces a measurable benefit for this condition at established dosing parameters. The evidence base is mature enough to support clinical recommendations.

Examples: Wound healing, oral mucositis prevention, musculoskeletal pain, skin rejuvenation (collagen synthesis).

Grade B — Moderate Evidence

Criteria: Several controlled studies with generally positive results but some inconsistencies in methodology, sample size, dosing parameters, or outcome measures across studies.

What this means: The available evidence suggests a real benefit, but the optimal parameters are not fully established or some studies show mixed results. More research would strengthen the recommendation.

Examples: Androgenetic alopecia, joint pain (osteoarthritis), tendinopathy, exercise performance and recovery.

Grade C — Limited Evidence

Criteria: Pilot studies, small sample sizes (typically under 30 participants), single-group studies without adequate controls, or preliminary findings that have not been independently replicated.

What this means: Early evidence suggests potential benefit, but the research is too preliminary to make confident recommendations. These conditions are worth monitoring as new studies are published.

Examples: Cognitive function, depression, neuropathy, thyroid function.

Grade D — Emerging / Anecdotal

Criteria: Case reports, animal studies, mechanistic plausibility based on known biological pathways, or anecdotal reports from practitioners without controlled human studies.

What this means: There is a theoretical basis for why red light therapy might help, but human clinical evidence is absent or insufficient. We include these conditions for transparency, not as treatment recommendations.

Examples: Tinnitus, gut health, immune modulation.

Evidence grades are reviewed quarterly and updated as new research is published. A condition's grade can move up or down based on new findings.

How We Review Devices

Device reviews on RedLightOS are based on published specifications, independent measurements where available, and objective comparison against the dosing parameters required for specific conditions. We do not write subjective “experience” reviews or rank devices by preference.

For each device in our database, we evaluate the following:

Wavelength Output

Which wavelengths are emitted, at what ratios, and whether they match the wavelengths shown to be effective in clinical research (typically 630-660nm red and 810-850nm NIR).

Irradiance at Distance

Power density (mW/cm²) measured at clinically relevant treatment distances (6, 12, 18, and 24 inches), not at the LED surface where numbers are inflated.

Treatment Area

The effective coverage area at recommended distance, including beam angle and uniformity of output across the panel surface.

Price-to-Performance

Cost per unit of effective irradiance. A device that delivers more power per dollar at the wavelengths that matter scores higher, regardless of brand prestige.

We do not accept free devices from manufacturers. When third-party irradiance measurements are available (from independent reviewers or university labs), we prefer those over manufacturer-reported specifications.

How We Calculate Doses

Dosing in red light therapy is measured in joules per square centimeter (J/cm²), also called fluence or energy density. The formula is straightforward:

Dose (J/cm²) = Irradiance (W/cm²) × Time (seconds)

Or equivalently, since most devices report irradiance in milliwatts:

Dose (J/cm²) = Irradiance (mW/cm²) × Time (seconds) ÷ 1000

Our dose calculator uses the irradiance data from our device database (measured at specific distances) combined with the dose ranges recommended in clinical literature for each condition. It accounts for the inverse square relationship between distance and irradiance: doubling your distance from the panel roughly quarters the irradiance reaching your tissue.

Target dose ranges for each condition are derived from the dosing parameters used in published clinical trials that showed positive outcomes. When studies use a range of doses, we recommend the median effective dose as a starting point. The biphasic dose response (Arndt-Schulz law) is a key consideration — more is not always better.

We distinguish between surface dose (energy reaching the skin) and target tissue dose (energy reaching the treatment target). For deep tissue conditions like joint pain, the surface dose must be higher to compensate for absorption and scattering as light passes through skin, fat, and muscle layers.

Editorial Process

All content on RedLightOS follows a structured editorial process:

Literature search: We search PubMed, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library for relevant studies on each condition or topic. We prioritize systematic reviews and meta-analyses, followed by RCTs, followed by controlled studies.
Evidence synthesis: Key findings, dosing parameters, wavelengths used, and outcomes are extracted from each study and cross-referenced for consistency.
Content drafting: Pages are drafted with inline references to source material. Claims are attributed to specific studies or systematic reviews.
Internal review: Content is reviewed for accuracy, clarity, and consistency with our evidence grading standards before publication.
Ongoing updates: Published pages are reviewed quarterly. When significant new research is published, affected pages are updated and the revision date is noted.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

We don't sell devices. We don't accept payment for reviews.

RedLightOS does not manufacture, distribute, or retail red light therapy devices. We do not accept sponsorship, advertising, or payment of any kind from device manufacturers or distributors in exchange for coverage, reviews, or favorable placement in our database.

RedLightOS is funded through our mobile app, which offers optional premium features for session tracking and protocol management. Our revenue comes from users who find value in our tools, not from device manufacturers who want favorable coverage.

If this ever changes — if we add affiliate links, accept sponsored content, or enter into any financial relationship with a manufacturer — we will disclose it prominently on every affected page. Transparency is non-negotiable.

We encourage readers to verify our claims independently. Every condition page includes references to the studies we cite, and we link to freely accessible versions of those papers whenever possible.

How to Report Errors

We take accuracy seriously. If you find an error on RedLightOS — a misquoted study, an incorrect dosing parameter, an outdated device specification, or any factual inaccuracy — we want to know about it.

To report an error or suggest a correction:

Email [email protected] with the subject line “Content Correction.”
Include the URL of the page containing the error.
Describe the error and, if possible, provide a reference to the correct information (a DOI, PubMed ID, or link to the source).

We review all correction requests and aim to respond within 7 days. Confirmed errors are corrected promptly, with the correction noted on the affected page.