Short term effects of extremely low irradiance photobiomodulation on retinal function, in age related macular degeneration

Background: recently much studies evidenced the potential role of photo-biomodulation (PBM) in patients affected by Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). We designed a new wearable device for self-medication that employs the same broadband red light described in literature, but with extremely low irradiance. Aim: to demonstrate the safety and effectiveness of low-fluence light stimulations emitted by a LED source with appropriate wavelengths through our new device in improving short-term visual function in patients affected by severe non neovascular AMD. Materials and methods: we prospectively enrolled patients affected by severe non-neovascular AMD with a relative sparing of the foveal region. All the patients were randomly assigned in placebo or in treatment group. The treatment consisted of 10 sessions of 10-min each, using the new device comprised of micro-LEDs that emitted light onto an amorphous support assembled within Metallic eyeglasses. The placebo group blindly underwent the same number of PBM sessions with the micro-LED turned off. Before and after each placebo/treatment sessions all the patients received: optical coherence tomography (OCT), Best-Corrected Visual Acuity (BCVA) and Microperimetry (MP). Results: no significant differences in the anatomical parameters were observed in the two groups. The MP mean sensitivity and the central visual function both far and near significantly improved in the treated group (respectively p < 0.001, p < 0.001) Conclusions: our pivotal demonstrated that the LED PBM delivered through our new device is a safe and effective tool for improving short-term visual function in patients affected by severe non-neovascular AMD.