For Clinician | School of Optometry

Understanding Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy for Myopia Control

Posted on 9 Oct. 2024 by Dr. Yue WU.

Repeated low-level red light (RLRL) is gaining attention as a novel method for managing myopia. While increased outdoor activity has long been advocated as part of effective myopia prevention strategies, the benefits directly correlate with the amount of time spent outside. In contrast…

Efficacy of repeated low-level red-light therapy in myopia control

Although the mechanism behind remains unclear, many clinical trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in managing the rate of myopia progression in myopic children and the risk of myopia onset in pre-myopic children by several randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Research on Pre-Myopia, High Myopia, and Combination Therapy

Three crucial areas of research are the use of RLRL in pre-myopia, high myopia, and the adjunct use of RLRL with other myopia control treatments. Recent findings from three RCTs published in the journal Ophthalmology and JAMA Network Open highlight advancements in these areas.

Safety of repeated low-level red-light therapy in myopia control

When evaluating treatments for myopia, especially in children, safety is of the utmost importance. Understanding the safety profile of low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy is essential for both patients and eye care professionals.

childhood-myopia-doctor-checking-childs-eyes-1024x576

A Case report of RLRL use in myopia: promising or concerning?

In the study by Xiong et al., two intriguing cases involving monozygotic twins were reported (5). These twins shared identical genetic backgrounds, yet they were assigned to different treatment groups. The twin who underwent RLRL therapy experienced a reduction in axial length by 0.2mm, a reversal of myopia progression, and notable choroidal thickening. Conversely, the twin in the control group, who wore single vision spectacles, showed ongoing myopic progression, increased axial length, and choroidal thinning.

Where can patients get repeated low-level red-light therapy?

Several manufacturers offer repeated low-level red light (RLRL) products in this innovative field. Each of these devices typically operates under similar principles—delivering specific wavelengths of red light to the retina to help control the elongation of the eye that contributes to myopia. However, the light design, user interface, and additional features such as treatment session tracking, parental controls and regulatory approvals can differ.

front-view-girl-getting-her-eyes-checked

Light Therapy in Myopia Management: An In-depth Exploration

Myopia is a common refractive error that has reached near-epidemic proportions globally. Characterized by an elongation of the eyeball, myopia can lead to significant visual impairment and is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In response to this growing public health concern, researchers have explored various environmental factors that may influence myopia progression, with light therapy emerging as a promising intervention. In this page we will review the current understanding of how different wavelengths of light, including red, violet, and blue light, impact myopia development and can be utilized in clinical practice.

Violet and Cyan Light Therapy for Myopia Control

Violet light (VL) (360-400 nm) represents another wavelength explored for myopia control, though it is less understood than red light. Initial findings suggest that exposure to blue and violet light was found to inhibit myopic shift and axial elongation in animal models. Experiments in chicken and mice myopia models found an upregulation of the myopia suppressive gene Early Growth Response-1(EGR1) with VL exposure, and VL-Induced EGR-1 Expression in the retina was mediated by Opsin 5 (1–3). Another study by Strickland et al. suggested mechanism involves the modulation of biochemical pathways that influence the scleral remodeling process, potentially through changes in retinal dopamine levels (4).

Full-Spectrum Light therapy: does it have similar effect as natural sunlight?

Full-spectrum light therapy, which includes a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum much like natural sunlight, is increasingly being examined for its potential in controlling myopia. This therapy's premise is based on the hypothesis that exposure to a broad range of wavelengths in full-spectrum light can effectively slow down both the incidence and progression of myopia in children.