Impact of repeated low-level red-light exposure on choroidal thickness and blood flow in pediatric patients: A
Huihang Wang1, Huifen Zhong1, Jingjin Zhang1
1Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Ophthalmology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Institute of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Fujian Provincial Clinical Medical Research Center of Eye Diseases and Optometry, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
Purpose:
To evaluate the impact of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy on choroidal thickness and blood flow in pediatric myopia.
Methods:
A three-month trial (April 1, 2023 - September 30, 2023) was conducted involving 44 children (ages 6-16) with myopia. Participants underwent RLRL therapy at home twice daily for five days per week, with each session lasting three minutes. Assessments at baseline, one month, and three months included cycloplegic refraction, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular biometrics, swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography (SS-OCTA), slit-lamp, and fundus examinations.
Results:
The study included 44 children (average age: 9.79 years; 56.82 % male). RLRL therapy significantly increased subfoveal choroidal thickness (Baseline: 272.82 ± 64.01 μm; 1-month: 297.77 ± 72.94 μm; 3-month: 298.77 ± 77.17 μm, p = 0.001), reduced axial length (Baseline: 24.97 ± 1.47 mm; 3-month: 24.88 ± 1.38 mm, p = 0.002), and showed a marginal regression in spherical equivalent (p = 0.055). Significant elevations in choroidal vessel volume and thickness were noted, with positive correlations intensifying with distance from the fovea.
Conclusion:
RLRL therapy shows promise in managing pediatric myopia by increasing choroidal vessel volume and thickness, potentially mitigating myopia progression.
