Abstract
Purpose :
Multiple studies have explored the potential benefits of light exposure therapy in myopia control, but these studies used different wavelengths of light and sample sizes. We conducted a traditional meta-analysis (TMA) and a Bayesian network meta-analysis (Bayesian NMA) to rank the myopia control effects of different wavelengths of light.
Methods :
The review protocol was registered with PROSPERO [ID: CRD42022368998], and PRISMA guidelines were followed. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and MEDLINE for relevant randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized comparative studies published as of 15th November 2022. Studies that compared red light, violet light, or full-spectrum light (with a control (Monofocal correction, sham, or placebo) were included. We pooled estimates of treatment effect on progression of spherical equivalent refraction (SER) and elongation of axial length (AL) using a TMA. A Bayesian NMA was further conducted to compare and rank the different wavelengths of light for each outcome using the surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) scores.
Results :
Fourteen studies were included in the review. Overall, the TMA showed shorter AL and slower SER progression in the light therapy groups, MD (95% CI), [-0.19mm (-0.28mm, -0.10mm) and 0.38D (0.10D, 0.66D), respectively] compared to controls. AL was shorter in red -0.27mm (-0.40mm, -0.14mm), violet -0.07mm (-0.11mm, -0.04mm), and full spectrum -0.06mm (-0.09mm, -0.04mm) groups than in controls. Also, SER progression was slower in red 0.50D (0.17D, 0.83D), violet 0.24D (-0.10D, 0.58D), and full spectrum 0.11D (0.05D, 0.18D) groups compared to controls. In the Bayesian NMA, red, violet, and full spectrum groups had shorter AL, MD (95% credible interval), [-0.30mm (-0.44mm, -0.16mm), -0.063mm (-0.25mm, 0.13mm), and -0.061mm (-0.33mm, 0.20mm), respectively] and slower SER progression, [0.59D (0.33D, 0.84D), 0.15D (-0.26D, 0.57D), and 0.12D (-0.27D, 0.50D), respectively], than controls. SUCRA scores for change in AL were 0.96, 0.46, and 0.44 and scores for change in SER were 0.97, 0.5 and 0.46 as determined by red, violet and full spectrum light treatments, respectively.
Conclusions :
Myopia control effect of light therapy was wavelength-dependent, with red, violet, and full-spectrum ranked as the first, second, and third most effective wavelengths for impeding AL elongation and SER progression.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.