LED red light for atrophy and microcirculation in pathologic myopia (RAMP): study design and protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Devices
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Pathologic myopia (PM) is a significant cause of irreversible blindness globally, with limited treatment options.
• Repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy effectively slows myopia progression in children but hasn't been studied in PM.
• This research explores RLRL's potential in managing PM, a condition characterized by progressive vision loss.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of RLRL therapy on choroidal vascular density and thickness in PM patients.
• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of RLRL in preventing the progression of fundus atrophic lesions in PM.
• To explore novel therapeutic avenues for a leading cause of irreversible blindness.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized, controlled trial involving 158 PM patients (aged 18-55).
• Participants were randomized to receive either RLRL therapy (660 nm, 65 mW/cm², twice daily, 5 days/week for 12 months) or a sham treatment.
• The primary outcome was the change in choroidal vascular density and choroidal vessel volume index after 12 months.

Main Results:

• The study is ongoing; results are pending.
• The primary outcome measure is the change in choroidal vascular density and choroidal vessel volume index at 12 months.
• Secondary outcomes will include the progression of fundus atrophic lesions.

Conclusions:

• RLRL therapy is being investigated as a potential treatment for pathologic myopia.
• Further research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits and safety of RLRL for PM.
• This trial may offer new hope for preserving vision in patients with PM.