Exploring the efficacy of repeated low-level red-light therapy in retarding childhood myopia progression: updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Chen Liu, Yating Zhou, Zongyue Zhan, Xiaofeng Li
TL;DR
This study finds that repeated low-level red-light therapy can slow the progression of childhood myopia compared to standard treatment.
Contribution
The paper provides updated evidence from a meta-analysis on the efficacy of red-light therapy for myopia in children.
Findings
RLRL therapy significantly reduced spherical equivalent (SER) progression in children with myopia.
Axial length (AL) increased less in the RLRL group compared to the control group.
Scleral choroidal thickness (SFChT) increased more in the RLRL group, indicating potential protective effects.
Abstract
Due to the increasing prevalence of childhood myopia, low-level red-light therapy has surfaced as a non-pharmacological method to mitigate its advancement. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) in pediatric populations, providing evidence-based support for its therapeutic usage. A search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and prominent Chinese databases, including CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang, from their inception until May 13, 2025. This meta-analysis includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that matched the inclusion criteria and was analyzed using Stata software, version 18.0. This meta-analysis included 1,053 participants: 515 in the RLRL and 538 in the control groups. The SMD for SER reduction was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.50, 1.19), SMD for AL reduction was −1.01, (95% CI: −1.60, −0.41), and SMD…
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Taxonomy
TopicsOphthalmology and Visual Impairment Studies · Laser Applications in Dentistry and Medicine · Corneal surgery and disorders