Red light therapy
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Red Light Therapy: Applications and Efficacy
Introduction to Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy (RLT) involves the use of low-level red wavelengths of light for therapeutic purposes. It has been explored for a variety of medical conditions, ranging from skin disorders to neurological issues. This article synthesizes recent research findings on the efficacy and applications of red light therapy.
Red Light Therapy for Skin Conditions
Treatment of Actinic Keratoses
Red light therapy has shown significant promise in treating actinic keratoses (AK), a common skin condition characterized by rough, scaly patches. A study evaluated the efficacy of methyl-aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy (MAL PDT) using red light-emitting diode (LED) light. The results demonstrated that MAL PDT was significantly more effective than the placebo, with a complete lesion response rate of 86.2% compared to 52.2% in the control group.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor-Induced Paronychia
Red light therapy has also been investigated as an adjuvant treatment for paronychia induced by epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors (EGFRi). A controlled trial showed that red light significantly reduced erythema, severity, and pain scores in patients, suggesting it as a viable adjunctive treatment option.
Neurological Applications of Red Light Therapy
Spinal Cord Injury
Red light therapy has been studied for its potential to alleviate neuropathic pain and reduce neuronal cell death following spinal cord injury (SCI). Research on rats indicated that red light treatment significantly reduced mechanical sensitivity, neuronal cell death, and astrocyte activation, suggesting its utility in managing pain and neuroinflammation post-SCI.
Cognitive Function in Traumatic Brain Injury
In patients with chronic mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), red and near-infrared (NIR) light therapy has shown potential in improving cognitive functions. A pilot study reported significant improvements in executive function, verbal learning, and memory, along with better sleep and reduced PTSD symptoms. This suggests that red/NIR light therapy could be a non-invasive treatment to enhance cognitive recovery in mTBI patients.
Brain Disorders and Photobiomodulation
Red to NIR light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), has been explored for various neurological and psychological conditions. PBM therapy enhances mitochondrial function, increases ATP synthesis, and stimulates anti-inflammatory and neurogenic responses. It has shown potential in treating conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and depression.
Ophthalmological Applications
Retinopathy of Prematurity
A pilot randomized controlled trial investigated the use of 670 nm red light for reducing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in neonates. Although the study did not find significant differences in ROP severity or the need for laser treatment, it highlighted the feasibility of using red light therapy in this context and suggested the need for further research.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Red light-triggered combination therapy has been proposed for treating wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This approach involves the intraocular release of an anti-angiogenic agent combined with photodynamic therapy, offering a minimally invasive treatment option for angiogenic eye diseases.
Myopia Control in Children
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluated the effectiveness of repeated low-level red light (RLRL) therapy in controlling myopia progression in children. The results indicated that RLRL therapy significantly inhibited axial length growth and slowed myopia progression, with minimal short-term side effects.
Conclusion
Red light therapy has demonstrated efficacy across a range of medical conditions, from skin disorders and neurological issues to eye diseases and myopia control. While further research is needed to optimize treatment parameters and confirm long-term safety, current evidence supports the potential of red light therapy as a versatile and non-invasive therapeutic option.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Topical methyl-aminolevulinate photodynamic therapy using red light-emitting diode light for treatment of multiple actinic keratoses: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Red-light (670 nm) therapy reduces mechanical sensitivity and neuronal cell death, and alters glial responses following spinal cord injury in rats.
A new perspective on delivery of red-near-infrared light therapy for disorders of the brain.
A pilot randomised clinical trial of 670 nm red light for reducing retinopathy of prematurity
Red light emitting diode as an adjuvant treatment for epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors-induced paronychia
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness and safety of the repeated low-level red light therapy in slowing the progression of myopia in children and adolescents
Significant improvements in cognitive performance post-transcranial, red/near-infrared light-emitting diode treatments in chronic, mild traumatic brain injury: open-protocol study.
Red Light‐Triggered Anti‐Angiogenic and Photodynamic Combination Therapy of Age‐Related Macular Degeneration (Adv. Sci. 31/2023)
Brain Photobiomodulation Therapy: a Narrative Review
Light therapy for seniors in long term care.
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