Efficacy comparison between repeated low-level red-light therapy and peripheral defocus spectacles to slow the progression of medium to high myopia in Chinese children

Repeated low-level red-light therapy (RLRL) has recently emerged as a new type of treatment to control myopia. In our study, we aim to compare the effects of RLRL and peripheral defocus modifying spectacle (PDMSL) in Medium-High myopia. This study is a randomized controlled trial. The participants were 25 children with ≥ −4.00 diopters (D) of myopia. Groups of intervention (RLRL) and control (PDMSL) were assigned 1:1. In the RLRL group, the participant would use the device and wore single-vision spectacles daily. In the control group, the participant wore PDMSL daily. The axial length, spherical equivalent refractions, and other ophthalmic examinations were measured at baseline, one, three, six, nine, and 12 months. There were 13 children in the RLRL group, and 12 children in the PDMSL group. Spherical equivalent refraction change was 0.28 ± 0.50D and −0.79 ± 0.48D at 12 months, in both groups, respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.001). Axial length change was −0.18 ± 0.17 mm and 0.34 ± 0.13 mm at 12 months in both groups, respectively. There was significant difference (p < 0.001). There were no adverse events reported that were related to the treatment. RLRL was more effective in myopia control. RLRL could be well tolerated, with few adverse effects related to the treatment.