Journal article
Repeated Low-level Red-light Therapy: The Next Wave in Myopia Management?
Optometry and vision science, v 100(12), pp 812-822
01 Dec 2023
PMID: 37890098
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCEExposure to long-wavelength light has been proposed as a potential intervention to slow myopia progression in children. This article provides an evidence-based review of the safety and myopia control efficacy of red light and discusses the potential mechanisms by which red light may work to slow childhood myopia progression.The spectral composition of the ambient light in the visual environment has powerful effects on eye growth and refractive development. Studies in mammalian and primate animal models (macaque monkeys and tree shrews) have shown that daily exposure to long-wavelength (red or amber) light promotes slower eye growth and hyperopia development and inhibits myopia induced by form deprivation or minus lens wear. Consistent with these results, several recent randomized controlled clinical trials in Chinese children have demonstrated that exposure to red light for 3 minutes twice a day significantly reduces myopia progression and axial elongation. These findings have collectively provided strong evidence for the potential of using red light as a myopia control intervention in clinical practice. However, several questions remain unanswered. In this article, we review the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of red light as a myopia control intervention, describe potential mechanisms, and discuss some key unresolved issues that require consideration before red light can be broadly translated into myopia control in children.SIGNIFICANCEExposure to long-wavelength light has been proposed as a potential intervention to slow myopia progression in children. This article provides an evidence-based review of the safety and myopia control efficacy of red light and discusses the potential mechanisms by which red light may work to slow childhood myopia progression.The spectral composition of the ambient light in the visual environment has powerful effects on eye growth and refractive development. Studies in mammalian and primate animal models (macaque monkeys and tree shrews) have shown that daily exposure to long-wavelength (red or amber) light promotes slower eye growth and hyperopia development and inhibits myopia induced by form deprivation or minus lens wear. Consistent with these results, several recent randomized controlled clinical trials in Chinese children have demonstrated that exposure to red light for 3 minutes twice a day significantly reduces myopia progression and axial elongation. These findings have collectively provided strong evidence for the potential of using red light as a myopia control intervention in clinical practice. However, several questions remain unanswered. In this article, we review the current evidence on the safety and efficacy of red light as a myopia control intervention, describe potential mechanisms, and discuss some key unresolved issues that require consideration before red light can be broadly translated into myopia control in children.
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Details
- Title
- Repeated Low-level Red-light Therapy: The Next Wave in Myopia Management?
- Creators
- Aaron D. Salzano - Bridge UniversitySafal Khanal - University of Alabama at BirminghamNathan L. Cheung - Duke Medical CenterKatherine K. Weise - University of Alabama at BirminghamErin C. Jenewein - Salus UniversityDarryl M. Horn - Salus UniversityDonald O. Mutti - SUNY College of OptometryTimothy J. Gawne - University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Publication Details
- Optometry and vision science, v 100(12), pp 812-822
- Publisher
- Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
- Number of pages
- 11
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO)
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:001142907800001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85181586546
- Other Identifier
- 991022004946204721
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InCites Highlights
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Ophthalmology