Photobiomodulation for the treatment of retinal diseases: a review

Abstract

Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low level laser therapy, has recently risen to the attention of the ophthalmology community as a promising new approach to treat a variety of retinal conditions including age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, diabetic retinopathy, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, amblyopia, methanol-induced retinal damage, and possibly others. This review evaluates the existing research pertaining to PBM applications in the retina, with a focus on the mechanisms of action and clinical outcomes. All available literature until April 2015 was reviewed using PubMed and the following keywords: "photobiomodulation AND retina", "low level light therapy AND retina", "low level laser therapy AND retina", and "FR/NIR therapy AND retina". In addition, the relevant references listed within the papers identified through PubMed were incorporated. The literature supports the conclusion that the low-cost and non-invasive nature of PBM, coupled with the first promising clinical reports and the numerous preclinical-studies in animal models, make PBM well-poised to become an important player in the treatment of a wide range of retinal disorders. Nevertheless, large-scale clinical trials will be necessary to establish the PBM therapeutic ranges for the various retinal diseases, as well as to gain a deeper understanding of its mechanisms of action.

Photobiomodulation reduces drusen volume and improves visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in dry age‐related macular degeneration

“…Photobiomodulation stimulates cellular processes that provide an approach to target the underlying degenerative pathology with disease‐modifying potential. A recent review paper of PBM in retinal diseases has reported that the literature supports the conclusion that the low cost and non‐invasive nature of PBM coupled with the first promising clinical reports and the numerous preclinical studies in animal models make PBM well poised to become an important player in the treatment of retinal disorders (Geneva 2016). …”

Artificial Intelligence to Stratify Severity of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) and Predict Risk of Progression to Late AMD

“…18 Recent publications looking at the 10-year experiences of appropriately selected patients taking the AREDS formulation demonstrates that it is effective at slowing disease and improving visual acuity in approximately 25% of patients. 19 For this reason, identification of people at risk for late AMD is very important because it could enable timely treatment such as photobiomodulation 20 and laser intervention 21 ) and AREDS supplements. Recent studies 21 showed that sub-threshold laser (or sub-threshold nanosecond laser) reduces the progression of intermediate AMD except in the case of reticular pseudo-drusen (RPD), in which case it worsens.…”

“…AREDS Report 17 37 mentioned, and we confirmed, that in AREDS, 36 subjects converted from early to late AMD within a year, and 50 within 2 years. Using the prediction score, the ophthalmologist can perform further testing and/or have higher confidence about immediate treatment (e.g., photobiomodulation 20 or laser intervention 21 ) or advise more frequent follow-up visits.…”

Adeno-associated virus-mediated neuroglobin overexpression ameliorates the N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced retinal impairments: a novel therapeutic strategy against photoreceptor degeneration

“…Accordingly, animal models are desirable for disclosing the underlying mechanisms and developing therapeutic tools against RD. 4 N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU), as an alkylating carcinogen, is capable of mediating selective photoreceptor apoptosis in mammalian retinas, thereby generating a pharmacologically induced animal model of RD. 5 , 6 After a single systemic administration, MNU toxicity induces active signs of RD, such as decreased outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness, impaired electroretinogram (ERG) response, and hyper-expressed apoptotic labeling.…”