Photobiomodulation Therapy Improves Visual Outcomes in Dry AMD

Photobiomodulation therapy can significantly improve best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in individuals with intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a poster presented at the American Optometric Association 2023 ePosters Virtual Event from June 13-14, 2023 in Washington, DC. The treatment, which uses multiple wavelengths (590 nm, 660 nm, and 850 nm) for less than 5 minutes per eye to stimulate mitochondrial output, also demonstrates a tolerable safety profile, according to the report.

Researchers conducted a prospective, double-masked, sham-controlled multicenter study that included 100 participants with early to intermediate AMD (eyes, 148; 68% women, mean age, 75 years) who were randomly assigned 2:1 to photobiomodulation therapy or sham treatment. A majority of eyes (n=79) had a baseline BCVA of 70 letters or better and were classified as having intermediate AMD, according to Beckman’s classification (72%, 105 eyes). The primary efficacy endpoint was significant differences in BCVA between participants undergoing the therapy and sham treatment at months 13 and 24.

Overall, BCVA significantly improved among individuals undergoing photobiomodulation therapy compared with sham treatment at months 13 (P =.02) and 24 (P =.0015). Participants who were treated with the therapy demonstrated 5.5 and 5.9 letter gains at months 13 and 24, respectively (P <.0001 for both).

Participants who underwent sham treatment experienced significantly more geographic atrophy occurrence compared with individuals treated with photobiomodulation therapy at months 13 and 24 (P =.024 and P =.007, respectively). The team observed an increased central drusen volume in individuals who underwent sham therapy, but this value failed to attain statistical significance. The treatment demonstrated a favorable safety profile with no signs of phototoxicity.

“Multiwavelength [photobiomodulation] therapy may offer a novel, non-invasive treatment paradigm with a unique mechanism and modality for patients with dry AMD,” according to the poster presenters.