Efficacy of repeated low-level red-light therapy combined with optical lenses for myopia control in children and adolescents.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy combined with optical lenses in children and adolescents with myopia.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 108 children and adolescents. Based on the difference in the combination intervention scheme participants were divided into four groups based on the intervention they received: the RLRL+orthokeratology (OK) lens intervention group (RLRL+OK group), the RLRL+defocus distributed multi-point (DDM) lens intervention group (RLRL+DDM group), the RLRL+single-vision spectacles (SVS) intervention group (RLRL+SVS group), and a control group. Visual acuity, spherical equivalent refraction (SER), and axial length (AL) were measured before and after the intervention. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing vision recovery.

RESULTS

The SER and AL at baseline were statistically different (P<0.01). After the intervention, the AL increase in the RLRL+OK, RLRL+DDM, and RLRL+SVS groups was significantly better than the control group across time points (P<0.001). Changes in SER were also statistically significant in the RLRL+DDM and RLRL+SVS groups compared to the control group across time points (P<0.001). The intervention method was identified as a significant factor influencing vision recovery (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

RLRL therapy combined with optical lenses is effective in controlling myopia progression in children and adolescents.