Photobiomodulation Therapy for Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Diabetic Retinopathy: A Review

Abstract

Purpose Photobiomodulation therapy (PBT) has emerged as a possible treatment for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy (DR). This review seeks to summarize the application of PBT in AMD and DR. Methods The National Clinical Trial (NCT) database and PubMed were queried using a literature search strategy and reviewed by the authors. Results Fourteen studies examining the application of PBT for AMD and nine studies examining the application of PBT for diabetic macular edema (DME) were extracted from 60 candidate publications. Discussion Despite notable methodological differences between studies, PBT has been reported to treat certain DR and AMD patients. DR patients with center involving DME and VA ≥ 20/25 have demonstrated response to treatment. AMD patients at Age-Related Eye Disease Study Stages 2–4 with VA ≥20/200 have also shown response to treatment. Results of major clinical trials are pending. Conclusion PBT remains an emergent therapy with possible applications in DR and AMD. Further, high powered studies monitored by a neutral party with standard devices, treatment delivery and treatment timing are needed.

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