white paper

Photobiomodulation therapy for congenital color vision deficiency: results of a preliminary randomized clinical trial

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Abstract

Purpose

This study presents a novel randomized controlled trial investigating photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy as an intervention method for color vision deficiency (CVD).

Methods

A total of 74 participants with CVD were assigned to either the PBM group or the control group. In the PBM group, participants wore virtual reality (VR) goggles twice daily, with a 12-h interval, over a four-week period. The VR video consisted of alternating red and green images, each presented for 5 s, totaling 6 min and 20 s. No treatment was administered to the control group. Color vision improvement was assessed using Yu’s, Ishihara’s pseudoachromatic plates, Color Blindness Check (CBC), and FM-100 Hue total error score (TES).

Results

After 4 weeks, in terms of Yu’s and Ishihara’s Plates, the patients in PBM group could identify increasing pieces (before: 1.6 ± 1.6, 2.3 ± 2.2; 4 weeks: 6.5 ± 4.4, 5.4 ± 2.9), while in control group, the number was before: 2.6 ± 3.4, 2.6 ± 2.5; 4 weeks: 3.3 ± 3.6, 2.9 ± 2.2. As for CBC scores, the patients in PBM also showed improved high scores (before: 2353.3 ± 700.0; 4 weeks: 2693.6 ± 642.5). Moreover, PBM treatment resulted in a significant reduction of FM-100 scores (before: 298.0 ± 211.3; 4 weeks: 202.1 ± 114.4).

Conclusion

These findings suggest that PBM therapy holds promise as a potential treatment option for individuals with CVD.

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white paper

A Double-Masked, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Single-Center Study With Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

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Abstract

Photobiomodulation treatment in a randomized, sham-controlled, single-center, double-masked study conducted in 46 eyes of patients with dry age-related macular degeneration significantly improved functional (visual acuity and contrast sensitivity) and anatomical (drusen volume and central drusen thickness) outcomes. Patient improvements were reported in the VFQ-25 assessing activities of daily living.

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white paper

Longer wavelengths in sunlight pass through the human body and have a systemic impact which improves vision

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Abstract

Long wavelength red light that can extend beyond the human visual range penetrates deeply through biological tissue. Exposure to these longer wavelengths improves mitochondrial function and ATP production. This can translate to improved physiological performance, particularly in the CNS, including the visual system. Light driven metabolic improvements to regional exposure can impact systemically. Here we show that infrared wavelengths from sunlight can be measured after they pass through the human thorax. We then select a prominent transmitted solar wavelength range (830–860 nm) and deliver this to the thorax of subjects in the lab in controlled 15 min exposures with and without ocular involvement. Clothing reduced wavelength intensity but was not a barrier. These exposures were associated with significantly improved visual function when measured 24 h later even in subjects in which light was blocked from the eyes.

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white paper

FDA Authorizes Light Therapy for Dry AMD

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Abstract

Imagine a special light that could protect vision in people with dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD) without eye injections. That’s what a new treatment aims to do.

Dry AMD affects mostly adults over 55, and it’s a leading cause of vision loss. Right now, only specific types of dry AMD can be treated — and the treatment involves eye injections that may slow the disease without improving vision. Some patients with dry AMD may also benefit from special vitamins.

The new light therapy — called photobiomodulation — could be a big breakthrough. It’s the first non-invasive treatment authorized by the FDA for use in treating dry AMD, which means no needles are needed.

Many ophthalmologists are excited about this new option, but want to see more information to make sure it’s safe and works well before recommending it to patients.

“Photobiomodulation certainly holds promise,” says ophthalmologist Nieraj Jain, M.D., a specialist in retinal diseases. “But we look forward to seeing more data. We don’t know how these outcomes will hold up in the real world.”

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