Can red light therapy for myopia safely slow eye growth in children? Red light therapy for eyes is attracting attention because some short-term studies show striking reductions in axial elongation, but the exact device, treatment protocol, retinal safety, and what happens when treatment stops all matter.
In this episode, board-certified ophthalmologist and pediatric eye surgeon Dr. Rupa Wong examines the evidence, the unanswered safety questions, and the established myopia-control options parents can discuss when a child’s glasses prescription keeps getting stronger.
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:00 Should My Child Try Red Light Therapy for Myopia?
02:29 What Is Childhood Myopia?
03:46 How Does Red Light Therapy for Myopia Work?
04:35 Does Red Light Therapy Slow Myopia?
05:47 How Strong Is the Evidence for Red Light Therapy?
06:56 Is Red Light Therapy Safe for Children’s Eyes?
09:04 What Happens When Red Light Therapy Stops?
10:11 Is Red Light Therapy for Myopia FDA Approved?
11:08 What Should Parents Do When Myopia Gets Worse?
11:59 How Much Outdoor Time Do Kids Need to Reduce Myopia Risk?
12:20 How Do Screens, Reading, and Near Work Affect Myopia?
13:39 What Myopia Control Treatments Are Available for Kids?
14:29 Is Ortho-K Safe for Children With Myopia?
14:54 What Is the Best Myopia Treatment for My Child?
16:01 What if My Child’s Myopia Is Progressing Quickly?
16:28 What Red Light Therapy Research Is Still Needed?
17:21 Is Red Light Therapy Ready for Childhood Myopia?
IN FOCUS WITH DR. RUPA WONG:
YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQ6yGQlJEBHouNHGZJgsAPspu4nJhrDRd&si=-G1WPggk3LzjHyz9
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-focus/id1569697237
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3en4olHWr48cyWaUikrcje?si=c606ebf291294d03
HOST RESOURCES:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrupawong
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRupaWong
Newsletter: https://www.drrupawong.com/sign-up
Become a Patient: https://www.honolulueyeclinic.com
Earn FREE CE/CME Credits: https://learnatpinnacle.com
This episode is brought to you by The Pinnacle Podcast Network!
ABOUT DR. RUPA WONG:
Rupa Wong, MD is an Ivy League trained board certified pediatric ophthalmologist and adult strabismus surgeon, wife, mom to 3 kids, entrepreneur, and the managing partner of Honolulu Eye Clinic for the past 15 years. She is passionate about helping the modern working mom focus on what matters most as she balances her ambition, her career, her family, and herself.
Disclaimer: Rupa Wong, MD, is a doctor, but she is not your doctor. This content is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical care.
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