Abstract
Purpose :
To assess the efficacy and safety of photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment for patients with drusen in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Methods :
Thirteen eyes with dry AMD (age related eye disease study (AREDS) categories 3-4) were included in the study and treated with the Valeda Light Delivery System. All subjects underwent two treatments per week for 5 weeks. Outcome mesures included ; best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), microperimetry- scotopic testing, drusen volume (DV), central drusen thickness (CDT), central retinal thickness (CRT) and retinal volume.
Results :
BCVA improved in eyes treated with photobiomodulation with a mean score gain of 4 letters at month 6 (M6). Retinal sensitivity increased by 0.70 dB on average. Mean fixation losses decreased by 7.83 % at M6. Drusen volume and retinal volume decreased by 0.28 mm3 and 0.21 mm3 on average respectively. Central drusen thickness and central retinal thichness was reduced by a mean of 36.5 µm and 40.16 µm respectively at M6.
Conclusions :
This study confirm efficacy and safety of using photobiomudulation for treatment of drusen in dry AMD. The functional and anatomical improvements in our patients support previous reports. PBM may provide a therapeutic option for patients with dry AMD mainly in the earliest stages and may potencially slow the progression of the disease. Further studies are needed to confirm if a repeated PBM treatments are necessary to maintain the benefits.
This abstract was presented at the 2022 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in Denver, CO, May 1-4, 2022, and virtually.