Exploring the efficacy of repeated low-level red-light therapy in retarding childhood myopia progression: updated systematic review and meta-analysis
Liu C, Zhou Y, Zhan Z, Li X
Frontiers in medicine · 0 citations
How it was studied
- Design
- Systematic review (indexed by PubMed)
- Studied in
- People
- Main outcome
- Health markers and function
Who paid for it
- Funding
- Independent funding
Based on full-text disclosure statement.
Publication
- Published
- 2026-01-22 · Front Med (Lausanne) · vol. 13 · p. 1713885
- Publisher
- Frontiers Media
- Cited
- 0 citations · more than 4% of similar papers · 0.0× the field average
- References
- 50 works
- Access
- Open access (journal) · CC-BY
- Research areas
- Ophthalmology and Visual Impairment Studies · Laser Applications in Dentistry and Medicine · Corneal surgery and disorders
- Keywords
- MEDLINE, Population, Quality of life (healthcare), Clinical trial, Disease
4 authors
From CN
- Chen Liu
- Yating ZhouShanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine; Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Kunshan
- Zongyue Zhan
- Xiaofeng Li · corresponding
Abstract
Background
Due to the increasing prevalence of childhood myopia, low-level red-light therapy has surfaced as a non-pharmacological method to mitigate its advancement. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) in pediatric populations, providing evidence-based support for its therapeutic usage.
Methods
A search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, and prominent Chinese databases, including CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang, from their inception until May 13, 2025. This meta-analysis includes randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that matched the inclusion criteria and was analyzed using Stata software, version 18.0.
Results
This meta-analysis included 1,053 participants: 515 in the RLRL and 538 in the control groups. The SMD for SER reduction was 0.84 (95% CI: 0.50, 1.19), SMD for AL reduction was -1.01, (95% CI: -1.60, -0.41), and SMD for SFChT rise was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.65-0.98). There is no major publishing bias.
Conclusion
The meta-analysis found that children with myopia who got RLRL therapy in addition to normal treatment had significantly slower disease progression than the control group.
Systematic review registration
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251034037, PROSPERO 2025 CRD420251034037.
Abstract via Europe PMC. Copyright remains with the authors or publisher (CC BY).
Community trust
Loading…
How much do you trust this study's findings?
Comments
Sign in to rate, comment on or flag this study.Sign inSomething wrong here?
Flag this study if its information, labels or funding look wrong. An editor reviews every flag.
Sign in to rate, comment on or flag this study.Sign inEducational information about published research. Not medical advice, and not a recommendation to start or stop anything.