University of Houston optometry researcher warns against using low-level red light therapy.

A University of Houston optometry researcher has warned against using low-level red light (LLRL) therapy to control myopia, particularly in children, due to potential retinal injury. Despite its reported effectiveness in reducing myopia progression, LLRL therapy may pose risks of photochemical and thermal damage to the retina, as its safety profile has not been fully investigated. Children using the therapy are instructed to look into a red light-emitting instrument for three minutes, twice a day, which may exceed safety limits. The researcher found that both LLRL devices evaluated exceeded the luminance dose maximum permissible exposure, putting the retina at risk of photochemical damage.

January 29, 2024
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