Abstract
Purpose:
To analyse functional data in 36 patients affected by Stargardt Disease with mutations in the ABCA4 gene after photobiomodulation with mnemosline (Model MNEMOSLINE, made by KALOS, EC CERTIFICATE N°1419/MDD, TELEA ELECTR. ENG. SRL. Sandrigo (VI)- ITALY) in order of improving visual functions.
Methods:
Polycentric prospective study (Bologna, Milano, Rome- ITALY) in genetic analised patients.<br /> 36 patients, average age 20.2+1.3 sd (12 enrolled in Bologne, 12 in Milan and 12 in Rome) with Fishman I Stargardt disease classification ( Arch. Ophthal. 1999). We evaluated best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), reading speed (w/min), microperimetry (MP-1), pattern electroretinography (PERG). Exams were repeated at start up time, at 1,2,3 months. Mnemosline was used for 10 minutes, 2 times a day, 5 days per week for 3 months.<br /> Red LED 650 nm pulsed light has the better penetrative capacity in tissue without termal increase, activating chromophore (cytochrome c oxidase) response, improving ATP (Amat et al, 2006).
Results:
<br /> BCVA ranged between 0.6-1.0 logMAR, using ETDRS charts. ETDRS letters went from 34 to 37,67. From 100% to 113.3% percentage variation of PERG ( Anova statistic) Retinal sensibility (MP-1) mesured in dB growed from 10.68 to 12.29. W/min growed from 65.67 to 84.
Conclusions:
LED pulsed light 650 nm may have beneficial effects in Stargardt disease upregulating mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase in the retinal tissue. More extensive trials are request.