The first Australian data into the efficacy of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) has been published in what is shaping to be a pivotal year for the technology.
A three-month interim analysis of RLRL in an Australian multi-ethnic population has been published in Ophthalmic Epidemiology.
In this randomised controlled trial of 34 children aged 8 to 13, the RLRL group demonstrated a significant shortening in AL ( − 0.06 ± 0.05 mm) compared to the single-vision spectacles (SVS) group (0.02 ± 0.06 mm, p < 0.001).
Similarly, the RLRL group demonstrated a reversal in SE (0.23 ± 0.18 D), whereas the SVS group exhibited a smaller increase (0.04 ± 0.43 D).
No severe adverse events were reported.
The study, which was supported by by Eyerising International, the developer of the RLRL technology, said the findings suggested initial promise of RLRL in an Australian population, with 12-month results anticipated to be published shortly.
A release from the company said the latest data sits alongside several international conference presentations at the recent ARVO conference in Utah and International Myopia Summit held in Singapore this May.
At this year’s ARVO conference, red-light therapy was a “hot topic with several posters discussing its clinical effect”, the release said.
There was a presentation from Professor Junwen Zeng’s real-world study ongoing in China, reporting 24-month results from 896 children aged 6 to 18.
Notably, 65.5% of these children achieved complete myopia control for axial length (<0.10mm/year), and 68.2% based on SER progression (<0.25D/year). No adverse events were reported, and the study is continuing into its third year.
At this year’s International Myopia Summit, the results of Professor Kyoko Ohno-Matsui’s RLRL trial in Japan were presented. Of 30 highly myopic children aged 8 to 18 across 12 months, average reduction of SER by 0.29D and shortening of the axial length of -0.03mm was observed.
Furthermore, a network meta-analysis by Dr Leo Seo Wei from Singapore concluded that the combination of RLRL with orthokeratology and DIMS spectacles achieved the highest effect in terms of axial length at 1 and 2 years, the release said.
“These developments are encouraging for RLRL, which is evolving into a new category of therapy in myopia control.
“Evidence is now coming out from various countries that aligns with the positive initial data from China, and further research remains under way into ensuring continued treatment efficacy and safety.”
More reading
Repeated low-level red-light therapy: a guide for clinicians (CPD)
Eyerising International responds to China myopia red light regulatory changes
Eyerising Myopia Management Device granted TGA approval for home-use red-light therapy
