The compliance patterns and personalized management of repeated red light therapy in children: A 4-year multicenter

Guihua Liu1, Na Li1, Yuexuan Ma1

  • 1Tianjin Key Laboratory of Retinal Functions and Diseases, Tianjin Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Ocular Disease, Eye Institute and School of Optometry, Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital, Tianjin, China.

Iscience
|July 23, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Higher adherence to repeated red light therapy (RRLT) slows eye growth in children. Consistent RRLT use, particularly in younger children, is key for managing myopia progression effectively.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Limited real-world data exists on the long-term impact of repeated red light therapy (RRLT) compliance on axial elongation in children.
  • Myopia management in pediatric populations requires effective, real-world treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between RRLT compliance and axial length (AL) elongation patterns over four years in a large pediatric cohort.
  • To identify optimal compliance thresholds for favorable myopia control efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • A 4-year multicenter retrospective study involving 2575 children (aged 6-16) using home-based RRLT.
  • Axial length (AL) elongation was monitored annually, with favorable efficacy defined as ≤0.10 mm/year.
  • Statistical analyses, including correlation and spline modeling, were used to assess compliance impact.

Main Results:

  • Higher cumulative RRLT compliance significantly correlated with slower AL elongation (β = -0.322, p < 0.001).
  • Favorable efficacy was observed with cumulative compliance levels around 58%-69% across the four years.
  • A minimum cumulative compliance of 58% is suggested for a favorable long-term treatment response.

Conclusions:

  • Real-world RRLT compliance is a critical factor influencing myopia progression in children.
  • Personalized RRLT strategies should consider individual compliance rates to optimize treatment efficacy and manage patient burden.
  • Achieving at least 58% cumulative compliance is essential for successful long-term myopia management with RRLT.

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