Title : Role of low-level red light in the management of myopia: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Abstract:
Introduction: Myopia is the most common ocular condition worldwide, with a prevalence ranging from 24.32% to 35.81%, and its prevalence is expected to continue to increase globally. Moreover, myopia is associated with various serious ocular complications necessitating the need to control its progression. In this meta-analysis, we aim to determine the role of low-level red light (LLRL) exposure on the progression of myopia.
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 (single vision spectacles or sham procedure) in myopia patients. Analysis was based on axial length (AL) changes, spherical equivalent refraction changes (SER) and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT).
Results: Our search strategy yielded 11 articles with a total of 1662 patients. 871 patients were assigned to LLRL group, on the other hand 791 patients were assigned to control group. For axial length changes at 1 year, the results favored the LLRL group with a statistically significant shorter axial length in comparison to control group (95% CI -0.32 to -0.42; P <0.00001). Based on SER there was a highly significant myopic shift in the control group in comparison to LLRL group (95% CI 0.69 to 0.96; P <0.00001). Moreover, the control group had a statistically significant thinner SFCT in comparison to LLRL group (95% CI 24.67 to 42.93; P <0.00001).
Conclusion: LLRL can hinder the progression of myopia and carries a favorable hyperopic shift in AL and SER.
