Peer-reviewed article
Repeated low-intensity red light combined with defocus-incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) spectacles for controlling myopia progression in children.
Cheng W, Yi X ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This study tested whether combining red light therapy with special spectacles (DIMS) could slow myopia progression in 100 children whose eyesight continued to worsen despite wearing the special glasses alone. After 12 months, children receiving both treatments had much less elongation of the eyeball and slower worsening of their vision prescription than those wearing only the spectacles. The combination treatment was generally safe, though a few children experienced temporary glare or afterimages.
Key points
- Axial elongation at 12 months was significantly less in the combination group (0.060 mm) versus control group (0.386 mm)
- 37.8% of children in the combination group showed axial shortening rather than elongation
- Spherical equivalent refraction progression was significantly slower in the combination group
- Subfoveal choroidal thickness increased in the combination group but decreased in controls
- Transient glare was the main adverse event, affecting 9 children, with 1 withdrawal due to afterimage
Limitations
This was a retrospective cohort study without randomization, comparing children already selected for treatment history rather than randomly assigned to groups. Longer-term follow-up beyond 12 months is needed to determine if the effects are sustained.
Abstract
Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of repeated low-intensity red light (RLRL) therapy combined with defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) spectacles for controlling myopia progression in children. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, medical records of 100 children with persistent myopia progression despite DIMS spectacle wear were reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on their treatment history: a DIMS-only control group (n=50) and an RLRL+DIMS combination group (n=50). Axial length (AL), spherical equivalent refraction (SER), uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFChT), corneal curvature (CC), fundus autofluorescence, adverse events were assessed at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. Results Of the 100 enrolled children, 92 completed the 12-month follow-up. Baseline characteristics were comparable between groups (all P>0.05). At 12 months, the combination group showed significantly less axial elongation than the control group (mean change: 0.060±0.237 mm vs. 0.386±0.183 mm, P<0.001), with 37.8% of children showing axial shortening. SER progression was also significantly slower in the combination group (change: +0.038±0.435 D vs. -0.720±0.295 D; P<0.001). SFChT increased significantly in the combination group (+13.2±27.4 μm) but decreased in controls (-3.3±12.4 μm, P<0.001). No significant changes in CRT or CC were observed. Transient glare occurred in nine children; one child withdrew due to an 8-minute afterimage. No abnormal fundus autofluorescence was detected. Conclusion RLRL combined with DIMS spectacles effectively increased choroidal thickness, delayed axial elongation, and slowed SER progression in myopic children over 12 months, with a favorable short-term safety profile. Longer-term studies are warranted to confirm sustained efficacy and safety.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- Repeated low-intensity red light (RLRL) therapy combined with DIMS spectacles
- Population
- 100 children with persistent myopia progression despite DIMS spectacle wear; 92 completed 12-month follow-up (50 in combination group, 42 in control group)
Key finding
Axial elongation at 12 months: 0.060±0.237 mm in combination group vs. 0.386±0.183 mm in control group (P<0.001)
W et al. · Europe PMC · 15 Aug 2026