Non-invasive low-level red-light therapy for axial length control in pediatric extreme myopia

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Extreme myopia poses significant management challenges with limited treatment options.
• Repeated low-level red-light therapy (RLRL) has emerged as a promising intervention for myopia control.
• Current myopia control strategies often have limitations in efficacy and safety for pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of RLRL in children with extreme or high myopia.
• To assess changes in refractive error, axial length, visual acuity, and choroidal thickness following RLRL treatment.
• To compare the outcomes of RLRL between children with extreme myopia and those with high myopia.

Main Methods:

• A multi-center prospective study involving 59 children (aged 3-16.3 years) with extreme (SER ≤ -10D) or high myopia (-6D to -9.75D).
• Participants underwent twice-daily RLRL treatment for 12 months, with 55 children (94 eyes) completing the follow-up.
• Data collected included spherical equivalent error, axial length, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), and choroidal thickness.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in spherical equivalent error (0.549D increase) and axial length shortening (0.056 mm) were observed (p < 0.001).
• Best-corrected visual acuity improved by 0.110 LogMAR, and choroidal thickness increased by 34.84 μm.
• No adverse events were reported during the 12-month treatment period.
• Subgroup analysis demonstrated comparable efficacy between extreme and high myopia groups.

Conclusions:

• RLRL is a safe and non-invasive therapeutic option for managing extreme myopia in children.
• The treatment shows meaningful clinical value by improving key visual parameters and ocular health.
• RLRL offers a viable alternative for pediatric myopia control, addressing limitations of existing methods.