Low Level
Red Light
Therapy
An emerging approach to helping slow myopia progression in children, considered as part of a personalised plan with clinical assessment and ongoing monitoring.
Book a myopia assessment
Low-level red light therapy.
A personalised approach.
Low Level Red Light Therapy is an emerging option in myopia management that is gaining attention worldwide. It is designed to help slow the progression of myopia, also known as short sightedness, in children during their key years of visual development.
At Spectacle Hub Optometrists, this treatment is offered as part of a carefully considered myopia management plan, guided by clinical assessment and ongoing monitoring.
Discuss your child’s optionsWhat Is Low Level Red Light Therapy?
Low Level Red Light Therapy involves the use of controlled, visible red light delivered to the back of the eye. This approach is also referred to as repeated low level red light therapy and has been developed specifically to help manage myopia progression in children.
Unlike glasses or contact lenses, this therapy is not used to correct vision for daily tasks. Instead, it focuses on influencing the biological processes linked to eye growth, with the aim of slowing the elongation of the eye that contributes to worsening myopia.
Understanding Myopia and Why Control Matters
Myopia, commonly known as short sightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurred while near vision remains clear. In children, myopia often progresses as the eyes continue to grow, particularly during the school years. Once myopia develops, it usually does not stop on its own, which is why early intervention is so important.
Supporting your child’s
long-term vision.
Myopia management focuses on slowing the progression of short sightedness rather than simply correcting vision with glasses. Slowing progression can help reduce the risk of higher levels of myopia later in life, which are associated with a greater chance of long-term eye health issues.
By understanding how myopia develops and addressing it early, parents can make informed decisions that support their child’s long-term vision and eye health.
How Repeated Low Level Red Light Therapy Works
Repeated low level red light therapy uses carefully calibrated red light to stimulate areas at the back of the eye. This light is delivered at a specific wavelength and intensity and is designed to interact with eye tissues involved in eye growth.
Clinical research has shown that this form of therapy may help slow axial elongation, which is the main structural change responsible for myopia progression. The treatment does not involve surgery, injections, or medication.
What Does Treatment Involve?
Low Level Red Light Therapy is designed to be simple and structured. When prescribed by an optometrist, it follows a consistent routine:
- Short treatment sessions lasting a few minutes
- Sessions completed twice per day
- Treatment carried out several days per week
- Clear guidance provided to parents and children
The therapy is non-invasive and does not require eye drops or contact lenses. Compliance is important, and progress is monitored by your optometrist during follow-up visits.
Book a Myopia Management ConsultationGuide.
Review.
Start with your child.
A full eye examination considers their prescription, eye health and how their myopia is progressing.
Understand the options.
We explain potential benefits, risks, uncertainties and alternatives before deciding whether this therapy is appropriate.
Follow a prescribed routine.
If recommended, your optometrist provides device-specific instructions and parent guidance. Do not change exposure or substitute a general red-light device.
Keep checking progress.
Follow-up visits assess vision, eye health and myopia progression. The plan can be reconsidered if concerns arise.
Who May Be Suitable for Red Light Therapy for Short Sightedness?
This therapy may be considered for children who:
- Have been diagnosed with myopia
- Are experiencing progressing short sightedness
- Are within the typical childhood and early teenage years of eye development
- Are suitable based on a full eye examination and clinical assessment
Not every child with myopia will require this treatment. At Spectacle Hub, we assess each child individually before recommending any myopia management option.
Is Low Level Red Light Therapy Safe?
Low Level Red Light Therapy has been developed specifically for use under the guidance of eye care professionals. It uses controlled light exposure and is designed to be safe when used as directed.
As with all myopia management options, outcomes can vary between individuals. That is why professional supervision, proper instructions, and regular follow-ups are essential parts of the process.
How This Fits Into Myopia Management at Spectacle Hub
At Spectacle Hub Optometrists, we take a holistic approach to myopia management. Low Level Red Light Therapy may be recommended alongside or compared with other options such as:
- Myopia control spectacle lenses
- Contact lens based myopia management
- Lifestyle advice including screen use and outdoor time
Our goal is to help parents make informed decisions based on their child’s eye health, lifestyle, and visual needs.
Why Choose Spectacle Hub Optometrists?
Families choose Spectacle Hub because we offer:
- Thorough eye examinations for children
- Clear explanations without pressure
- Experience in modern myopia management options
- Ongoing monitoring and support
- Multiple clinic locations across Melbourne and Geelong
We focus on long-term eye health, not just short-term vision correction.
Speak to Our Optometrists About Myopia ControlQuestions about red light therapy
What is low level red light therapy?
Repeated low level red light therapy uses a purpose-designed device to deliver controlled red light to the eyes. It is being studied and used for myopia management in selected children under professional supervision.
Does it replace my child’s glasses?
No. Its aim is to slow progression; it does not provide the everyday vision correction of glasses or contact lenses. Continue the correction advised by your optometrist.
What does treatment involve?
The existing treatment approach uses short, repeated sessions, commonly twice daily on several days each week. Exact duration, spacing and frequency must come from your prescribing clinician and the specific device instructions.
Is it suitable for every child with myopia?
No. Age, prescription, documented progression, eye health and ability to follow the prescribed routine all matter. An assessment is needed before any recommendation.
Is low level red light therapy safe?
Safety is still being studied, particularly over the long term. Retinal injury and changes in retinal cells have been reported in the literature. Careful device selection, informed discussion and monitoring are essential; supervision does not eliminate all risk.
What if my child notices a change in vision?
Stop using the device and contact the prescribing clinician promptly for advice if there are new vision changes, persistent after-images or eye discomfort. Sudden loss of vision needs urgent assessment.
Book a Myopia Assessment Today
If your child has been diagnosed with myopia or you are concerned about worsening short sightedness, early assessment is important. Low Level Red Light Therapy may be an option worth exploring as part of a personalised myopia management plan.
Our optometrists will take the time to assess your child’s vision, explain suitable options, and guide you through the next steps.
Book an Eye Test for Your Child