Photobiomodulation therapy for children's eye and vision conditions
In brief
Light therapy shows potential to slow myopia and aid blepharitis in children
A scoping review of 45 studies-including many randomized trials-found that photobiomodulation reduced axial elongation in myopic children, though some rebound occurred after treatment stopped, and it also improved blepharitis and other pediatric eye problems. The approach was generally safe, causing only mild, transient photophobia or dry eye, but optimal protocols and long-term outcomes remain unclear.
- Journal
- Eye (London, England) (Q1)
- Published
- 29 July 2026
- Study design
- Randomized controlled trial
- Evidence level
- Level 1, High (CEBM 1b)
- Authors
- Alicia Fothergill, Charles Hennings, Desta Bokre, Annegret H Dahlmann-Noor
- PMID
- 42527621
- DOI
- 10.1038/s41433-026-04757-x
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Ophthalmology (top studies of the week, 2 August 2026): Photobiomodulation for pediatric eye conditions
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive, light-based technology that stimulates cellular mechanisms, with therapeutic effect on a variety of medical conditions. Wavelengths of light are absorbed by intracellular photoreceptors, resulting in the activation of signalling pathways that culminate in biological changes within the cell. PBM treatment has been reported for a range of eye/vision conditions, mostly in adults. OBJECTIVES: We carried out a scoping review of the published literature and collated reported uses of PBM for eye/vision/lid/orbital conditions in children and young people. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We developed a comprehensive Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase and Cochrane Library search strategy. We included primary research articles written in English reporting an age range from 0 to 18 years. Ocular, vision, lid, or orbital conditions treated with PBMT, low light therapy, or intense pulsed light therapy (400-1100 nm spectral range) were included. Case reports, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and studies using photodynamic therapy, cross-linking, or optogenetics were excluded. SOURCES OF EVIDENCE: We used Covidence Systematic Review Software for de-duplication and screening of titles and abstracts, using a pre-specified screening tool. CHARTING METHODS: We developed and used a data extraction tool in Covidence. Two reviewers (AF and CH) independently screened and extracted data, with disagreements resolved by discussion and senior-author adjudication where consensus could not be reached. RESULTS: Of 5081 identified studies, 45 were included. The majority focused on myopia control, reporting reductions in axial elongation, some noted rebound effects upon cessation. Amblyopia, retinopathy of prematurity, meibomian gland dysfunction, chalazion, concussion, and visual fatigue were also investigated. Most studies were randomised controlled trials, with China as the predominant investigating region. PBMT demonstrated potential benefits across various conditions with a favourable safety profile. DISCUSSION: PBMT may have a role in the management of childhood eye conditions, particularly myopia and blepharitis. It appears generally safe, with transient adverse effects such as mild photophobia and dry eye. CONCLUSIONS: Further research is needed to optimise protocols and assess sustained efficacy and safety for widespread clinical adoption.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.