Correlation between repeated low-level red light-induced afterimage and axial changes in myopia control

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Vision Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Myopia control is a significant challenge in pediatric eye care.
• Repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy is emerging as a potential myopia control strategy.
• Understanding the mechanisms and predictive factors for RLRL efficacy is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between visually perceived afterimages and refractive changes following RLRL treatment for myopia.
• To determine if afterimage characteristics can predict treatment outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 52 children using RLRL for myopia control was analyzed.
• Afterimage color (CIELAB) and duration (T) were recorded.
• Axial length (AL) and AL/Corneal Radius ratio (AL/CR) were measured at 1 and 3 months.
• Participants were grouped based on afterimage color bias (red/green, yellow/blue) and duration (shorter/longer).

Main Results:

• Green afterimage group (GroupG) showed significantly greater AL shortening at 1 and 3 months compared to the red afterimage group (GroupR).
• Shorter afterimage duration group (GroupS) demonstrated significantly greater AL shortening at 1 month compared to the longer duration group (GroupL).
• No significant differences were observed based on yellow/blue afterimage bias or AL/CR changes.

Conclusions:

• Axial length changes after RLRL treatment are correlated with induced afterimages.
• Green afterimages and shorter durations are associated with more effective AL shortening.
• Afterimages show potential as a predictive biomarker for successful myopia control with RLRL therapy.