Repeated low-level red-light therapy for myopia control: An update on efficacy and safety.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review summarizing existing clinical trials and meta-analyses
PubMed 42549280 · doi:10.4103/tjo.TJO-D-25-00187
What was done
This review summarized current evidence from randomized controlled trials and network meta-analyses regarding the efficacy and safety of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy for controlling myopia onset and progression in children.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data. It notes that randomized controlled trials consistently find RLRL therapy significantly reduces axial elongation and slows myopic onset and progression in children, with network meta-analyses indicating efficacy superior to established interventions. Short-term safety was favorable with no irreversible damage reported, although transient optical coherence tomography abnormalities (foveal hyperreflectivity, cystoid changes) and multifocal electroretinogram functional alterations have been documented.
Why it matters
RLRL therapy represents a highly effective emerging intervention for pediatric myopia, but clinical adoption requires careful balancing against unresolved structural and functional retinal safety questions.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative metrics, search strategy details, or study counts. Long-term safety remains uncharacterized, the clinical implications of observed retinal structural and functional changes are unclear, and optimal dosing and device specifications are not yet established.
Cited by
- contradicts Red light therapy has no side effects.