A new method to control myopia in children using specific light wavelengths
Official title: Pilot test of a novel wavelength-based method to control childhood myopia
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10947633 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help kids with nearsightedness by using special red light to slow down how quickly their eyesight gets worse, and kids who join in will get to try out this light for a little bit each day.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2024 |
| Project end | September 29, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $408,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EY036536-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10947633 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who are experiencing myopia or are at risk of developing it.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not children or those who do not have myopia may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to managing childhood myopia by utilizing specific wavelengths of light to influence eye growth. The study aims to understand how these light cues can effectively slow down the progression of myopia, which is a significant concern for children's vision health. By exploring the effects of narrow-band red light on eye development, the research seeks to provide a more effective treatment option compared to existing methods. Participants may experience brief daily exposure to this light as part of the intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, effective treatment for slowing the progression of myopia in children, potentially reducing the risk of serious eye conditions later in life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar wavelength-based approaches to manage myopia, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Khanal, Safal — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Khanal, Safal
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PICNIC: Factors inside the eye linked to childhood near-sightedness
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.