If you’ve been following the world of children’s eye health, you may have heard a buzz around something called RLRL therapy — and for good reason. Repeated Low-Level Red Light therapy is one of the most exciting developments in myopia control in years. At Viewpoint Optical in Hurstville, we’re proud to offer this cutting-edge treatment to families across the Georges River area.
What is RLRL Therapy?
RLRL stands for Repeated Low-Level Red Light therapy. It works by shining a very specific wavelength of red light (650nm) into the eye for short, controlled sessions. The idea stems from something optometrists have known for years: children who spend more time outdoors tend to develop myopia at slower rates. Researchers believe natural light plays a protective role — and RLRL therapy is designed to replicate that effect in a convenient, clinical setting.
The result? The light gently stimulates blood flow to the back of the eye, thickens a key layer called the choroid, and helps reduce the excessive eye elongation that drives myopia progression.
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🔬 How it works in simple terms: Myopia worsens when the eyeball grows too long. RLRL therapy targets the root cause — slowing that growth by nourishing the eye from the inside out. |
Does the Research Back It Up?
Yes — and the results are impressive. In a major multi-centre randomised controlled trial, children using RLRL therapy showed a 69.4% reduction in axial length progression compared to those in the control group. Another 12-month study found RLRL outperformed 0.01% atropine eye drops — long considered the gold standard — in controlling axial elongation.
It’s also worth noting that the Eyerising Myopia Management Device — the device used to deliver RLRL therapy — has received full approval from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), meaning it has been assessed for safety and clinical performance in the Australian market.
- Up to 69.4% reduction in axial length progression in clinical trials
- Shown to outperform low-dose atropine in head-to-head studies
- TGA-approved device for use in Australia
- Backed by over 40 clinical studies worldwide
- Can be combined with Orthokeratology for even stronger results
What Does a Session Actually Look Like?
One of the biggest appeals of RLRL therapy is how simple it is. Sessions take just 3 minutes, twice a day, five days a week. Children simply look into the device — which resembles a compact desktop viewer — and the therapy does the rest. It’s painless, non-invasive, and suitable for children from a young age.
The device can also be used at home under parental supervision, making it a practical option for busy Georges River families. Compliance is tracked through a built-in log, so your optometrist can monitor progress at each review appointment.
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⏱️ Simple. Quick. Effective. Just 3 minutes, twice daily — RLRL therapy fits around school, sport, and family life without any disruption. |
Is RLRL Therapy Right for My Child?
RLRL therapy is a strong option for children with progressing myopia, and it can work particularly well alongside other treatments we offer at Viewpoint Optical — including MiyoSmart lenses and Orthokeratology. During a comprehensive myopia control consultation, your optometrist will assess your child’s prescription history, eye health, lifestyle, and goals before recommending the best approach.
Whether RLRL is used as a standalone treatment or as part of a combined strategy, the aim is always the same: to slow myopia progression and protect your child’s long-term vision.
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📅 Ready to Explore RLRL Therapy for Your Child? Our team at Viewpoint Optical in Hurstville specialises in myopia control for children. We’ll assess your child’s eyes and help you understand whether RLRL therapy is the right fit — alongside other options like MiyoSmart lenses or Orthokeratology. Visit us in Hurstville, serving the Georges River community. |