Red Light Therapy vs. Atropine: New Hope for Slowing Myopia in Children
Myopia (nearsightedness) is on the rise worldwide, especially among school-aged children. Parents often notice their kids holding books close, squinting at the board, or struggling to see faraway objects. Glasses and contact lenses correct eyesight, and they don’t slow down the progression of myopia.
That’s why researchers are working hard to find safe and effective ways to protect children’s eyes long-term.
A recent study published in Ophthalmology and Therapy (2025) has brought encouraging news: low-level red light therapy may be even more effective than low-dose atropine eye drops in slowing the growth of myopia.
The Treatments Compared;
1. Low-Dose Atropine
Atropine is a medicated eye drop that has been used for years in low concentrations (0.01%) to slow myopia progression. It’s considered safe for children and is commonly prescribed in many countries.
2. Repeated Low-Level Red Light Therapy (RLRL)
This newer approach uses a special device that shines gentle red light (650 nm) into the eyes for just a few minutes each day. The treatment is non-invasive and doesn’t involve medications.
What the Study Showed;
The study followed 91 children (ages 6 to 12) over six months, comparing those who used atropine drops nightly with those who used a red light therapy device.
Results at a Glance:
Eye Growth (Axial Length):
- Children using red light therapy had less eye growth and, in some cases, a slight shortening of the eye.
- Children using atropine drops showed continued eye growth.
Vision Changes:
- The red light group showed a small improvement in their prescriptions.
- The atropine group’s prescriptions continued to worsen.
Choroid Thickness (the “cushion” at the back of the eye):
- Red light therapy significantly thickened the choroid, suggesting improved blood flow and eye health
- Atropine drops produced minimal change in this area.
Safety:
- No eye damage or side effects were reported in the red light group during the study period.
How Treatments Affect Focusing and Comfort
Beyond slowing eye growth, This study showed that red light and atropine affect pupil size and focusing ability in very different ways:
- Red light therapy (RLRL) preserved normal pupil size and focusing strength (accommodative amplitude).
- Low-dose atropine caused pupils to dilate (on average by 0.30 mm) and reduced focusing ability (by ~1.00 D).
These changes may seem small, but they matter. Larger pupils and weaker focusing can sometimes make near work less comfortable.
Red light therapy preserves these functions and may support both long-term eye health and day-to-day visual comfort.
How Vision Therapy Complements Myopia Control
It’s important to remember: myopia isn’t just about the eye getting longer. Many children with myopia also struggle with eye teaming, focusing, and visual comfort — especially during near tasks.
This is where vision therapy (VT) comes in. While VT doesn’t directly stop the eyeball from growing, it helps by:
- Relieving visual stress: improving focusing ability and eye coordination.
- Supporting learning: reducing fatigue and making reading easier.
- Complementing myopia control: creating healthier visual habits that work alongside treatments like atropine, red light therapy, or specialty lenses.
In other words, RLRL and atropine help control eye growth, while vision therapy helps children use their vision more effectively and comfortably.
Together, they offer a more complete approach to managing both the condition and its everyday impact.
The Bottom Line
This new research shows that low-level red light therapy may outperform low-dose atropine drops in slowing myopia progression — while also preserving key visual functions like focusing and pupil response.
For many children, the best results come from a combination of approaches:
- Myopia control: atropine, red light therapy, specialty lenses, ortho-K
- Vision therapy: for binocular vision, focusing, and comfort
- Healthy habits: outdoor time, balanced screen use
Take the Next Step
If your child is nearsighted, don’t wait until their prescription keeps getting stronger. Book a consultation with Dr. Shirley Ha to learn about the latest myopia control treatments — including atropine drops, red light therapy, and supportive vision therapy.
Together, we can help protect your child’s vision for the future.
Reference: Pang X, Fu A, Zheng G, et al. The effect of repeated low-level red light versus 0.01% atropine treatment on axial length and choroidal parameters in children with myopia. Ophthalmol Ther. 2025;14:1739–1754. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40123-025-01169-0
A new way of seeing, being and doing to self empowerment 💫
Shirley S. Ha, HBSc., OD, FOVDR, FNORA, COEP
Neuro-Developmental and Rehabilitative Optometrist
