Abstract
Introduction Repeated low-level red-light therapy (RLRL) is a licensed emerging method for myopia management (MM). It involves shining a 650nm light into patients’ eyes using a desktop device, which has shown efficacy in MM. However, there is no data on whether RLRL use would have any influence on colour perception.
Aims To determine if there is a sustained difference in colour perception after short-term use of RLRL.
Methods Participants aged 6–25 years old who met the eligibility criteria were recruited and underwent visual acuity assessment, macular optical coherence tomography (OCT), and colour vision assessment using the colour assessment diagnosis (CAD) test. After this, they came for three visits where they received RLRL. The CAD test was performed immediately after and repeated after a 5-minute interval. At the next appointments, this process was repeated, with a final OCT scan taken at the end. Participants were asked to report about their experience using RLRL.
Results A significant difference in colour perception was observed between measures immediately after exposure to RLRL and after 5-minutes at each visit (P<0.01 for all). Use of the machine after 3 doses of red-light therapy over two days demonstrated no significant change to colour perception (P>0.05). Participant results indicated that they’d likely use RLRL for myopia management (median score=4 out of 5).
Conclusion RLRL appears to only have an immediate, reversible effect on colour perception returning to normal after 5 minutes, with no visual effects, suggesting its safety in short-term use. Further research on longer term use is required.
Acknowledgements Brad-ATTAIN
