Effect of 808-nm Laser Photobiomodulation Treatment in Blepharitis Rat Model

The Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Multi-Wavelength Light-Emitting Diode Irradiation Attenuates Dry Eye Symptoms in a Scopolamine-Induced Mouse Model of Dry Eye

Dry eye disease is a common condition in patients of all ages, causing discomfort and potential visual problems. Current treatments, including artificial tears and anti-inflammatory drugs, have certain limitations, encouraging research into alternative therapies. We investigated the therapeutic potential of multi-wavelength light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation of mice with dry eye. First, we showed that multi-wavelength LED irradiation was non-toxic to human corneal epithelial cells and improved cell viability. We then used a scopolamine-induced mouse model of dry eye to assess the effects of multi-wavelength LED irradiation on various clinical parameters. This treatment increased the tear volume and reduced corneal irregularity, thus improving dry eye. Histological analysis revealed that multi-wavelength LED irradiation protected against corneal epithelial damage and the associated reduction in epithelial thickness and would thus improve the corneal health of dry eye patients. Multi-wavelength LED irradiation significantly reduced the corneal levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α; the treatment was thus anti-inflammatory. Our results suggest that multi-wavelength LED irradiation may serve as a safe and effective treatment for dry eye, alleviating symptoms, reducing inflammation, and promoting corneal health.

Therapeutic Potential of Photobiomodulation for Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global public health problem. The implementation of evidence-based clinical practices only defers the development of kidney failure. Death, transplantation, or dialysis are the consequences of kidney failure, resulting in a significant burden on the health system. Hence, innovative therapeutic strategies are urgently needed due to the limitations of current interventions. Photobiomodulation (PBM), a form of non-thermal light therapy, effectively mitigates mitochondrial dysfunction, reactive oxidative stress, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis, all of which are inherent in CKD. Preliminary studies suggest the benefits of PBM in multiple diseases, including CKD. Hence, this review will provide a concise summary of the underlying action mechanisms of PBM and its potential therapeutic effects on CKD. Based on the findings, PBM may represent a novel, non-invasive and non-pharmacological therapy for CKD, although more studies are necessary before PBM can be widely recommended.

Effect of low-level light therapy in patients with dry eye: a prospective, randomized, observer-masked trial

To evaluate the efficacy of low-level light therapy (LLLT) with near-infrared light-emitting diodes (LED-LLLT) for the treatment of dry eye. 40 patients were randomly assigned with a 1:1 allocation ratio to receive LED-LLLT (LLLT group, n = 20) or placebo treatment (placebo group, n = 20). Patients in the LLLT group received LLLT twice a week for 3 weeks, for a total of 6 treatment sessions. The primary endpoint was the changes in the fluorescein corneal staining (FCS) score. The secondary endpoints were the changes in the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) score, lissamine green conjunctival staining (LGCS) scores, tear film break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer test, and the meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) index. These were evaluated before treatment and 4 weeks after start of treatment. The mean difference of score change in primary endpoint revealed significant improvement in the LLLT group, compared to the placebo. Among secondary endpoints, LGCS, Schirmer's test, upper meibography scores showed significant improvements, while TBUT, lid debris, lid swelling, lid telangiectasia, meibomian gland secretion and expressibility scores had slight improvement without significant differences. No serious adverse events were observed. The use of LED-LLLT for the treatment of dry eye and MGD appears to be safe and beneficial.