When it comes to treating myopia (nearsightedness), especially in children, safety is always the top priority. That’s why it’s important to understand how safe red-light therapy is for your eyes, both during treatment and in the long term.

How Safe is Red-Light Therapy?

Red-light therapy, or RLRL, uses low-level red light to help manage myopia by slowing down eye growth. The devices used in RLRL therapy are designed to be safe, with strict safety standards. One of the most common devices used is called Eyerising, which emits a gentle red light at a wavelength of 650nm. This device has been tested and meets safety standards, ensuring the light it emits is safe for the eyes.

In clinical studies, doctors closely monitor safety by checking visual acuity (how well you can see) and conducting eye scans. So far, no major side effects or permanent damage have been reported. The light doesn’t cause any lasting harm, and no serious damage to the retina (the part of the eye that receives light) has been observed.

What Side Effects Can Occur?

While the therapy is generally safe, some mild side effects may occur, especially during the first few sessions. These can include:

After-images: You may see a lingering red light in your vision for a few minutes after treatment. This is usually temporary and goes away shortly after.

Eye Irritation: Some people experience mild irritation or discomfort, especially if the light feels too bright or harsh.

Skin Irritation: In rare cases, there may be mild irritation around the eyelids.

These side effects are typically short-lived and resolve on their own after stopping the treatment. However, if any symptoms persist, it’s important to consult with your eye care professional.

A Rare Case Report: What Happened?

Most people do not experience serious side effects, but there have been a few rare reports. One case involved a 12-year-old child who experienced blurry vision for two weeks after using RLRL therapy for 5 months. The child had also seen rainbow-like afterimages before the treatment, which lasted for several minutes. After stopping the therapy and getting medical care, the child’s vision improved and returned to normal after a few months.

If you or your child experience prolonged afterimages (lasting longer than 6 minutes), it’s important to stop using the device and consult with an eye care professional. Your doctor may recommend a retinal check-up to ensure the health of your eyes.

How Can You Get Red-Light Therapy?

Several companies offer devices for red-light therapy that can be used at home. These devices deliver specific wavelengths of light to help control myopia by slowing down eye growth. Some of the most well-known devices include:

Eyerising: Used in 16 studies, it has a wavelength of 650nm and a low power of 0.29mW. It’s designed for at-home use and requires only 3 minutes of use twice a day.

Longda: This device also uses red light at 635-650nm and has been used in a few studies.

Sky-n1201: This device tests different power levels (0.37mW, 0.60mW, and 1.20mW) to see which works best.

It’s important to choose a device that’s suitable for your needs and has been approved for safety. You can discuss with your doctor which device might work best for you or your child.

How to Use Red-Light Therapy Safely

While red-light therapy has great potential for myopia control, it’s important to use it correctly and consistently for the best results:

Use it every day: Consistency is key to ensuring the therapy works as intended. Try to make it part of a daily routine.

Monitor your eyes: If afterimages last longer than 5 minutes or you notice any other unusual symptoms, stop using the device and talk to your eye care professional.

Space out the treatments: To give your eyes time to rest, make sure there’s at least a 4-hour gap between each session.

Keep wearing glasses: Red-light therapy is meant to slow down the progression of myopia, but it doesn't replace glasses or contact lenses. Keep wearing them as prescribed.

Regular Check-ups Are Important

For best results, regular visits to your eye care professional are essential. These check-ups help your doctor monitor the progress of myopia and ensure that RLRL therapy is working safely and effectively.

In Summary

Red-light therapy is a safe and promising way to manage myopia, especially in children. However, it’s essential to follow the guidelines, monitor any changes in your vision, and work closely with your eye care professional to ensure the best possible results. If you’re considering RLRL therapy, make sure to discuss it with your doctor to see if it’s right for you.

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