Don’t use the light-feeding device at will. See what the experts say.

Many parents have heard or seen other children using light-feeding devices to control the progression of myopia. They are very tempted and even go to e-commerce platforms to buy them. Dr. Eye Color advises you not to be impulsive and make a decision after fully understanding the device.

In July 2022, the Chinese Journal of Experimental Ophthalmology published the "Expert Consensus on Repeated Low-Intensity Red Light Irradiation as an Auxiliary Treatment for Myopia in Children and Adolescents (2022)", which was written by a group of 38 experts in the fields of fundus disease, optometry, blindness prevention, and eye public health in other hospitals across the country, relying on the Myopia Prevention and Control Group of the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Control Center. The purpose of the consensus is to guide ophthalmologists and optometrists on how to use repeated low-intensity red light irradiation technology (also known as light feeding device) in clinical norms to control the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. Although this is a highly professional article, with the help of Dr. Jingcai, I believe that most parents can understand it. As usual, pure popular science, no fooling, no selling, please feel free to read.

How did the experts write this consensus?

The compilation of all medical professional expert consensus is not a random decision made by experts. In this consensus, experts collected and summarized the common problems in the application of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL, which is also the technical basis of the light feeding device) technology, reviewed and summarized the relevant important literature that has been published on this technology, and carefully evaluated the effectiveness and safety of RLRL on the basis of carefully evaluating the existing research evidence and technical principles, and gave suggestions on the applicable population, usage methods, and which eye examinations should be combined with this technology.

What is the principle of RLRL and why can it control the progression of myopia?

The reason why RLRL can prevent and control myopia is not completely clear at present. Some studies suggest that RLRL exposure can increase the thickness of the choroid and improve blood circulation in children and adolescents, thereby improving the relative lack of oxygen supply to the fundus of myopic eyes.

At present, domestic and foreign studies have generally confirmed that increasing children's outdoor activity time in the sun can reduce the incidence of myopia in school-age children. However, in the real environment of schools and families, it is still a big challenge to really get enough outdoor activity time in the sun every day. RLRL technology can be seen as a supplement to the lack of outdoor activities and light exposure time.

Who is it suitable for?

Whether a child is suitable for using RLRL must be evaluated by a professional ophthalmologist or optometrist. Parents must not buy and use it on their own just because they hear about it from others and think their children can try it too.

Expert consensus points out that RLRL is suitable for children and adolescents aged 3 to 16 years old with myopia, and is suitable for those with rapid progression of myopia (more than 75 degrees per year) and who are insensitive to other prevention and control programs. This means that if a child's myopia progresses rapidly and has previously used orthokeratology lenses (OK lenses), multifocal soft lenses, specially designed frame lenses, and low-concentration atropine methods, but the control effect is not good, then consider using it. To put it bluntly, it is not the first choice for the prevention and control of myopia in children and adolescents.

In addition, children aged 3 to 6 should use it with caution under the guidance of a doctor; it is not suitable for children who do not yet have myopia to "prevent" myopia;

Who can't use it?

RLRL has many contraindications, which need to be judged by a doctor, including photosensitivity, macular disease, moderate to severe dry eyes, corneal disease, cataract, vitreoretinal disease, autoimmune disease, lupus erythematosus, albinism, tics, etc. It cannot be used in many cases.

How to use

Choose equipment that has obtained the Class II medical device registration certificate from the State Food and Drug Administration;

Make sure your child is not using any mydriatic drugs such as low-concentration atropine, and that the pupils are in their natural state;

The treatment should not exceed 2 times a day, and each treatment should not exceed 3 minutes. There should be at least 4 hours or more between 2 treatments; it should not be used more than 5 days (10 times) a week;

The power and related parameter adjustments of the machine need to be set under the guidance of a doctor;

Security Question

According to existing research, there have been no reports of functional or structural damage to eye tissues during the one-year study period of RLRL-assisted myopia prevention and control. However, the damage to eye function and structure caused by long-term RLRL exposure is still unclear.

Follow-up

Patients using the RLRL light feeding device should have follow-up visits every three months to check visual acuity, color vision, intraocular pressure, eye position, slit lamp examination, axial length examination, corneal curvature examination, fundus examination, etc.

Deactivate

During use, if vision loss, prolonged afterimage, persistent halos, dark spots, etc. occur, you need to stop using the device. Regular follow-up visits are also for the doctor to promptly detect possible problems during use and determine whether it is necessary to stop using the device.

Used in combination with other myopia prevention and control methods

It cannot be used together with low concentration atropine;

It is not a substitute for outdoor activities;

It can be used in combination with OK lenses, multifocal soft lenses, and specially designed frame glasses, but the decision needs to be made by a doctor.

The above content should give you a more comprehensive understanding of the light-feeding device. As an emerging myopia prevention and control solution, while it is effective, there is currently a lack of long-term observation and research reports on its safety. If you want to use it, you must be under the guidance of a professional doctor and must not blindly follow the trend to buy or use it.

If this article is helpful to you, you are welcome to forward it to other parents as they may need it too. Thank you.

For more ophthalmology related knowledge, you can follow Tejingcai

About Dr. Jingcai: The creators of Dr. Jingcai's popular science content all have a professional background in ophthalmology, a master's degree or above, and are former ophthalmologists. For some popular science content with a higher degree of professionalism, we will also invite working ophthalmologists and optometry experts to review and check it, striving to be responsible for the accuracy of the content and avoid misleading readers.