Combatting Myopia with Red and Near-Infrared Light

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common, particularly among children and young adults. As this condition becomes more prevalent, there is an urgent need for effective treatments to manage and slow its progression. At Lumavit, we are committed to leveraging advanced technologies such as red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy to provide innovative solutions for myopia management.

Understanding Myopia

Myopia is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects can be seen clearly. This occurs due to the elongation of the eyeball or an overly curved cornea, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. If left unmanaged, myopia can lead to severe visual impairment and increase the risk of other eye conditions such as retinal detachment and glaucoma.

How Red and NIR Light Therapy Can Help

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of red and NIR light therapy in managing myopia. This therapy, particularly through repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy, has shown promising results in slowing down the progression of myopia in children.

1. Slowing Myopia Progression:
   • Research indicates that daily exposure to red light therapy can significantly slow the progression of myopia. Children and young adults receiving RLRL therapy for a year exhibited a slower increase in axial length and spherical equivalent refraction (SER) compared to those who did not receive the therapy​.
2. Enhancing Eye Health:
   • Red light therapy promotes retinal health by stimulating cellular processes and improving mitochondrial function in retinal cells. Clinical trials have reported no adverse structural changes in the retina, underscoring the safety of this treatment. Enhanced ATP production in eye cells further supports its role in managing myopia.
3. Mechanism of Action:
   • Although the precise mechanism is not fully understood, photobiomodulation is believed to play a key role. This process involves regulating cellular activity and enhancing mitochondrial efficiency, which can control the abnormal growth of the eye that leads to myopia.

Safety and Monitoring

While the benefits of red and NIR light therapy are promising, safety and proper monitoring are paramount. In rare instances, temporary visual acuity reduction has been reported, although no long-term damage was observed. Adhering to prescribed treatment protocols and regular monitoring can ensure the safety and effectiveness of the therapy​.

Lumavit: Pioneering Myopia Management Solutions

Key Benefits of Red Light Therapy Devices:

• Non-Invasive Treatment: Devices offer a non-invasive solution for managing myopia, making it a convenient option for children and adults alike.
• Safe and Effective: Backed by rigorous research and clinical trials, our therapy devices ensure both safety and efficacy.
• Easy to Use: Designed for home use, our devices allow for easy and regular application, ensuring consistent therapeutic benefits.

At Lumavit, we offer state-of-the-art red and NIR light therapy devices designed to harness these scientific advancements for effective myopia management. Our devices provide safe and controlled exposure to red light, ensuring optimal therapeutic benefits while minimizing risks. Find our range of devices for red light therapy HERE.

Conclusion

Red and NIR light therapy represent a groundbreaking approach to managing myopia. By incorporating these advanced technologies, Lumavit is at the forefront of providing innovative, effective, and safe solutions for myopia control. As research continues to evolve, we are committed to leveraging these insights to enhance eye health and improve the quality of life for individuals with myopia.

Sources:

1. Zhu Q, Cao X, Zhang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang J, Zhang X, Zhu Y, Xue L. Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy for Controlling Onset and Progression of Myopia-a Review. Int J Med Sci. 2023 Sep 4;20(10):1363-1376. doi: 10.7150/ijms.85746. PMID: 37786442; PMCID: PMC10542022.

2. Tang J, Liao Y, Yan N, Dereje SB, Wang J, Luo Y, Wang Y, Zhou W, Wang X, Wang W. Efficacy of Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy for Slowing the Progression of Childhood Myopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Am J Ophthalmol. 2023 Aug;252:153-163. doi: 10.1016/j.ajo.2023.03.036. Epub 2023 Apr 7. PMID: 37030495.

3. Xiong R, Zhu Z, Jiang Y, Kong X, Zhang J, Wang W, Kiburg K, Yuan Y, Chen Y, Zhang S, Xuan M, Zeng J, Morgan IG, He M. Sustained and rebound effect of repeated low-level red-light therapy on myopia control: A 2-year post-trial follow-up study. Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2022 Dec;50(9):1013-1024. doi: 10.1111/ceo.14149. Epub 2022 Sep 7. PMID: 36054314; PMCID: PMC10086781.

4. Salzano AD, Khanal S, Cheung NL, Weise KK, Jenewein EC, Horn DM, Mutti DO, Gawne TJ. Repeated Low-level Red-light Therapy: The Next Wave in Myopia Management? Optom Vis Sci. 2023 Dec 1;100(12):812-822. doi: 10.1097/OPX.0000000000002083. Epub 2023 Oct 25. PMID: 37890098.