Efficacy of repeated red-light laser therapy for myopia control in Australian children: a pilot randomised controlled trial.
Gabriella Bulloch, Ziyi Qi, Yuri Yin-Moe Aung et al.
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In 30 seconds
This pilot randomised controlled trial assessed repeated red-light laser (RLRL) therapy for myopia control in 34 multi-ethnic Australian children aged 8–13 years. Children received RLRL plus single-vision spectacles or single-vision spectacles alone, with outcomes followed for 12 months. Adjusted mean axial-length change was -0.03 mm with RLRL versus 0.12 mm with spectacles alone; corresponding spherical-equivalent changes were 0.08 D and -0.20 D. Three children assigned to RLRL withdrew, and no severe adverse events were observed. The authors conclude that larger studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.
Key findings
- At 12 months, adjusted mean axial-length change was -0.03 (95% CI, -0.05 to -0.01) mm with RLRL and 0.12 (95% CI, 0.10 to 0.14) mm with spectacles alone.
- Adjusted mean spherical-equivalent change was 0.08 (95% CI, 0.04 to 0.13) D with RLRL and -0.20 (95% CI, -0.29 to -0.10) D with spectacles alone.
- Three children in the RLRL group withdrew: one because of headache and two because of poor treatment compliance; no severe adverse events were observed.
Why it matters
The trial provides preliminary randomised evidence on an approach to slowing childhood myopia progression in a multi-ethnic Australian population, extending evaluation beyond the populations in which this therapy has commonly been studied. The measured refractive and axial-length changes favour RLRL over spectacles alone, while the withdrawals and limited pilot scale underscore the need for confirmation before drawing firm conclusions about its role.
What to keep in mind
This was a pilot trial with 34 children and 12 months of follow-up; three participants assigned to RLRL withdrew. The authors call for a larger cohort to confirm results and assess long-term efficacy and safety.