International Journal of Medical Sciences · 8 authors, 3 centres
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This narrative review summarizes scientific evidence and proposed mechanisms for repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy as a novel approach to controlling myopia. It reports that RLRL therapy may inhibit spherical equivalent refraction progression and axial elongation without adverse effects, primarily supported by clinical trials conducted in China.
This narrative review examines RLRL therapy for myopia control, drawing on proposed mechanisms including photobiomodulation via cytochrome c oxidase, dopamine release, and nitric oxide signaling. The review synthesizes findings from multiple human clinical trials, predominantly conducted in China, indicating that RLRL therapy may inhibit spherical equivalent refraction progression and axial elongation. Studies reported sustained choroidal thickening during treatment and transient increases in retinal fovea perfusion density. However, the review notes that choroidal thickening alone may be insufficient to explain observed axial length shortening. Limitations include the concentration of trials in China, the absence of comparative studies with established treatments such as atropine, and unresolved questions about efficacy in high myopia and prevention of myopia onset. The review concludes that red-light therapy holds potential for myopia control but that safety and implementation remain key concerns requiring further investigation.
