Retinal Response to Low-Level Red-Light Therapy in Myopic and Non-Myopic Eyes Assessed Using Global Flash Multifocal...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Retinal Physiology
• Photobiomodulation

Background:

• Low-level red-light therapy (RLRT) is explored for potential therapeutic effects on the retina.
• Understanding retinal responses to varying RLRT durations and their correlation with refractive status is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess retinal responses in myopic and non-myopic individuals after 3-minute and 1-minute RLRT exposure.
• To determine if RLRT exposure time and refractive status influence retinal responses measured by global flash multifocal electroretinogram (gf-mfERG).

Main Methods:

• Prospective exploratory pilot study involving 20 participants (ages 18-39).
• Participants received 3-minute RLRT, followed by 1-minute RLRT one week later.
• Retinal responses (implicit time and amplitude) were measured using gf-mfERG before and after RLRT, with correlation analysis against axial length and choroidal thickness.

Main Results:

• 3-minute RLRT induced significant within-subject changes in inner retinal components (IC amplitude) in both myopes and non-myopes, but no significant outer retinal changes.
• 1-minute RLRT showed no significant changes in retinal responses.
• In myopic participants, 3-minute RLRT revealed correlations between retinal parameters, axial length, and choroidal thickness, indicating a structure-function relationship.

Conclusions:

• 3-minute RLRT induces localized inner retinal functional changes, whereas 1-minute RLRT has no measurable effect.
• Retinal ERG responses are significantly influenced by axial length in myopic eyes.
• The findings suggest a structure-function relationship rather than a robust short-term therapeutic effect of RLRT.