PHOTOBIOMODULATION THERAPY FOR LARGE SOFT DRUSEN AND DRUSENOID PIGMENT EPITHELIAL DETACHMENT IN AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION: A Single-Center Prospective Pilot Study

Improvement in Central Serous Chorioretinopathy Following Multiwavelength Photobiomodulation Treatment - Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is a condition where fluid build-up accumulates underneath the retina, resulting in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) detachment and vision loss. Irreversible retinal functional and anatomical changes are possible consequences. Research into novel strategies to aid in recovery are of interest. Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses light wavelengths to improve cellular function and shows positive effects in several conditions including those with edema.

METHODS

This prospective case report details a 39-year-old woman with CSCR. Multiwavelength PBM treatment was initiated with the Valeda® Light Delivery System. A series of treatment included nine sessions delivered over 3-5 weeks. Follow-up treatments were conducted. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) measures were taken. The patient has been followed for approximately 1 year.

RESULTS

The patient presented with blurred vision and a BCVA score of 65 letters in the left eye. After 3 weeks of observation, the patient's vision had further declined two lines on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart to 55 letters. Fluorescein angiography was performed, confirming CSCR diagnosis, and PBM was initiated. PBM treatment improved BCVA and fluid build-up in the RPE within 1 week of treatment (three treatment sessions). Following the full series of treatment (nine PBM treatment sessions), fluid was completely resolved and BCVA scored at 80 letters. The patient had a repeat PBM treatment series ~ 6 months later and has shown stable vision and no fluid present on OCT scan. The patient was seen again ~ 1 year later with continued stable vision and no fluid detection.

CONCLUSIONS

PBM is a non-invasive treatment option that may provide benefit in CSCR to resolve fluid build-up, macular change, and vision loss. Research into PBM as an immediate treatment option for CSCR, especially those with chronic presentations or those posed to have irreversible damage, is warranted to confirm effectiveness.

Photobiomodulation Using Light-Emitting Diode (LED) for Treatment of Retinal Diseases

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a type of phototherapy that employs light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or low-power lasers to selectively administer specific wavelengths of visible light, ranging from 500 to 1000 nm, including near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. LEDs are advantageous compared to lasers due to their ability to treat large areas at a lower cost, lack of tissue damage potential in humans, and reduced risk of eye-related accidents. The ophthalmology community has recently taken interest in PBM as a promising novel approach for managing various retinal conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, retinopathy of prematurity, retinitis pigmentosa, diabetic retinopathy, Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy, amblyopia, methanol-induced retinal damage, and potentially others. This review critically assesses the existing body of research on PBM applications in the retina, focusing on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of action and evaluating the clinical outcomes associated with this therapeutic modality.

Volume electron microscopy reveals human retinal mitochondria that align with reflective bands in optical coherence tomography [Invited]

Mitochondria are candidate reflectivity signal sources in optical coherence tomography (OCT) retinal imaging. Here, we use deep-learning-assisted volume electron microscopy of human retina and in vivo imaging to map mitochondria networks in the outer plexiform layer (OPL), where photoreceptors synapse with second-order interneurons. We observed alternating layers of high and low mitochondrial abundance in the anatomical OPL and adjacent inner nuclear layer (INL). Subcellular resolution OCT imaging of human eyes revealed multiple reflective bands that matched the corresponding INL and combined OPL sublayers. Data linking specific mitochondria to defined bands in OCT may help improve clinical diagnosis and the evaluation of mitochondria-targeting therapies.