Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy for Myopia Control in Myopic Anisometropia Children and Adolescents

To evaluate the efficacy of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy for myopia control in children and adolescents with myopic anisometropia.

Between January 2022 and October 2023, a total of 52 participants diagnosed with myopic anisometropia were enrolled in the study. The participants underwent RLRL therapy, administered via a device emitting red light at a wavelength of 650 nm. Each participant received the treatment for a duration of one year and underwent examinations at baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-months. The follow-up period concluded by October 2024.

More myopic eye refers to the eye with a higher (more negative) spherical equivalent (SE) value as measured by refractive examination, the contralateral eye is the less myopic eye. Cycloplegic spherical equivalence refraction (SER) of more myopia eyes changed from -4.47 ± 2.37D to -4.40 ± 2.37D (p = 0.005). However, SER of less myopic eyes between baseline and 12-month showed no significant difference (-2.59 ± 2.15D versus -2.50 ± 2.14D, p = 0.061). Axial length (AL) of more myopic eyes decreased more (25.42 ± 1.29 mm versus 25.17 ± 1.21 mm, p < 0.001), while less myopic eyes shortened from 24.62 ± 1.13 mm to 24.45 ± 1.08 mm (p < 0.001). In more myopic eyes, the change of AL showed relationship to initial AL (p = 0.046) and SER status (p = 0.023). No other correlation was found among sex, age, and change of AL or SER.

RLRL therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for addressing myopia anisometropia. Notably, eyes with greater degrees of myopia exhibit more pronounced benefits, including AL shortening and reversal of SER progression.