FDA Authorizes Light Therapy for Dry AMD
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.”
