Three-Month Interim Analyses of Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy in Myopia Control in Schoolchildren: A Pilot...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Myopia is a growing global health concern, particularly among school-aged children.
• Effective myopia control strategies are crucial to prevent vision impairment and associated complications.
• Current myopia control methods have varying efficacy and accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy for myopia control in multi-ethnic school-aged children.
• To analyze interim three-month data from a randomized controlled trial.

Main Methods:

• A multi-ethnic, parallel controlled randomized trial involving 34 children aged 8-13 years with myopia.
• Participants were randomized to either RLRL therapy (twice daily, 3-minute sessions) or single-vision spectacles (SVS) control.
• Primary outcome: axial length (AL) change; Secondary outcome: cycloplegic spherical equivalent (SE) change.

Main Results:

• The RLRL group showed significant AL shortening (-0.06 ± 0.05 mm) compared to the SVS group (0.02 ± 0.06 mm, p < 0.001).
• RLRL therapy resulted in SE reversal (0.23 ± 0.18 D), while the SVS group had a smaller increase (0.04 ± 0.43 D).
• No severe adverse events were reported in either group.

Conclusions:

• Interim three-month data indicate RLRL therapy is effective in controlling myopia progression in multi-ethnic children.
• RLRL therapy demonstrates a favorable safety profile.
• This therapy shows potential as a globally applicable solution for myopia management.