Title : Can low-level red light slow pre-myopia progression to myopia in children? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract:
Introduction: Myopia is a global problem with limited preventive measures including eye exercises, increasing outdoor time as well as low-dose atropine 0.01%. Pre-myopia is a refractive state in which the patient is at higher risk of developing myopia. The aim of this study is to assess and evaluate the effects of low-level red-light (LLRL) on myopia prevention.
Methods: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases. Studies were considered eligible if compared LLRL with a control group in pre-myopia patients. Analysis was based on axial length (AL) changes, spherical equivalent refraction changes (SER) and incidence of myopia.
Results: Our search strategy yielded 3 articles with a total of 409 patients. 209 patients were assigned to LLRL group, on the other hand 200 patients were assigned to control group. In terms of axial length changes at 1 year, the results were in favor of LLRL group with a statistically significant shorter axial length in comparison to control group (95% CI -0.21 to -0.13; P <0.00001). Based on SER there was a higher myopic shift in the control group in comparison to LLRL group (95% CI 0.27 to 0.46; P <0.00001). Moreover, LLRL intervention was associated with a lower incidence of myopia in children when compared to the control group (RR 0.59; 95% CI 0.38-0.91; P <0.00001).
Conclusion: LLRL can alleviate the incidence of myopia in children having pre-myopia and slow the myopic shift based on AL and SER changes