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Light Therapy for Myopia Prevention and Control: A Systematic Review on Effectiveness, Safety, and Implementation
Dylan James Chang1, Sriram P L1, Jooyeon Jeong1
1Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Translational Vision Science & Technology
|August 21, 2024
Summary
Red-light therapy and increased outdoor time show promise for preventing and controlling myopia in children. Further research is needed to confirm safety and effectiveness of other light therapies and improve implementation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Optometry
- Vision Science
Background:
- Myopia (nearsightedness) is a growing global health concern in children.
- Effective strategies for myopia prevention and control are crucial.
- Light therapy presents a novel approach to managing childhood myopia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the effectiveness, safety, and implementation of light therapy for myopia prevention and control in children.
- To evaluate outcomes such as myopia incidence, axial length, refractive error, and choroidal thickness.
- To assess safety concerns and implementation factors like compliance and follow-up rates.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, Web of Science) up to January 2024.
- Nineteen interventional studies were included in the review.
- Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I, ROB 2, and ROB-2 CRT.
Main Results:
- Red-light therapy and increased outdoor time demonstrated significant positive effects on myopia incidence and ocular parameters (axial length, spherical equivalent refraction, choroidal thickness).
- Violet-light therapy showed efficacy only in specific subgroups (8-10-year-olds, non-spectacle wearers, limited near work).
- Two red-light therapy studies reported adverse effects; implementation data focused on compliance and loss to follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Compelling evidence supports red-light therapy and outdoor time for myopia management.
- Further research is required to validate the safety of red-light therapy and the efficacy of violet-light and increased classroom lighting.
- Development of clearer implementation strategies is essential for all light-based myopia control interventions.
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