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Short answer: There is no universal panel distance or session time. Use the exact model's manual and the manufacturer's irradiance measurement at a stated distance. Do not transfer a distance from another device.
The earlier chart assigned fixed distances and times without model-specific output data. That implied a precision the available evidence and manufacturer information did not support.
How to interpret a manufacturer's distance data
| Item | What a useful specification includes | Warning sign |
|---|---|---|
| Irradiance | Units, measurement distance, instrument or method | A large number with no distance |
| Treatment distance | A model-specific range tied to time and body area | A generic distance copied across products |
| Wavelength | Listed wavelengths and mode behavior | Treating wavelength alone as proof of outcome |
| Session instructions | Time, frequency, body area, eye guidance, contraindications | Longer or closer promoted as automatically better |
Why wattage is not delivered dose
Electrical input, LED count, and marketed peak output do not by themselves establish the light reaching skin. Delivered exposure depends on device geometry, distance, time, wavelength, and measurement method. Consumer claims should be treated as manufacturer claims unless independently tested.
Safety and evidence limits
Follow eye-protection, skin-contact, distance, duration, and contraindication instructions for the exact model. Stop for pain, persistent redness, headache, eye symptoms, or unusual heat. Ask a qualified professional about photosensitivity, eye disease, relevant skin conditions, active cancer concerns, pregnancy, seizures, or photosensitizing medication.
Evidence and limits
Photobiomodulation evidence is condition-, device-, wavelength-, and dose-specific. A clinical review found some supported applications while noting methodological limits, small cohorts, industry funding, and uncertainty when generalizing laser evidence to consumer LEDs.
Source: clinical photobiomodulation review.