Recent progress and future perspectives of infrared light-based technology in ophthalmology

Infrared (IR) light provides non-invasive, depth-resolved imaging and diagnostic capabilities, allowing for precise tissue analysis and real-time monitoring across various applications. In recent years, IR light-based technologies-encompassing IR spectroscopy, IR imaging, IR thermography, IR eye tracking, and IR therapy-emerged as a powerful tool in ophthalmology, offering valuable insights into multiple aspects of eye health. Its ability to detect subtle changes in ocular tissues and deliver real-time data holds significant potential to enhance both diagnostic accuracy and treatment efficacy in eye care. This review highlights recent advances in the application of IR light-based technology in ophthalmology, focusing on applications such as quantitative ocular surface thermography, depth-resolved structural imaging, functional monitoring, and IR based therapeutic applications in ophthalmology. IR light's ability to penetrate ocular tissues non-invasively allows for detailed assessments of eye physiology, facilitating early disease detection and supporting personalized treatment strategies. While IR technology exhibits great potential, key challenges remain in its optimization-notably improving spectral resolution, depth penetration, and device miniaturization for expanded clinical integration. Finally, the current challenges and future prospects of IR light based-technology in ophthalmology are discussed, contributing to early diagnosis, monitoring disease progression, and evaluating treatment outcomes.