Encouraging results from light therapy study for dry AMD

Early results from a study assessing the effectiveness of the Valeda Light Delivery System for treating dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), have shown promise.   

The Valeda photobiomodulation technique uses three wavelengths of light to stimulate the layer of cells in the back of the eye called the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), to keep them healthy for longer.

The LIGHTSITE III clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of the treatment to slow the progression of dry AMD.

The results 

The small study on 100 participants, with early and intermediate dry AMD, aimed to assess the impact of the therapy on visual outcomes and early changes to the back to the eye, as well as the development of late-stage dry AMD, known as geographic atrophy (GA).

After 13 months of treatment, eyes treated with photobiomodulation using the Valeda system showed significant improvement in vision compared to those who received a sham treatment. Around 55% of treated eyes experienced a notable increase in vision by at least 5 letters on the eye chart.

Additionally, the eyes that received treatment didn't show any increase in a common sign of AMD called drusen, unlike those in the group that didn't receive real treatment.

These findings highlight the potential benefits of photobiomodulation with the Valeda system as a treatment for dry AMD, but more research is needed involving a larger group of patients

Cathy Yelf, chief executive of the Macular Society, said: “Finding an effective treatment for dry AMD is an absolute priority. We’re following these trials very closely.

“We look forward to seeing a more extensive study to ensure any potential benefits of this particular therapy can be clearly demonstrated, allowing people to take it up with confidence.”

Read the full results of the LightSite III study. 

Launch of a larger study 

A larger study, EUROLIGHT, is now under way. EUROLIGHT will expand on this research by collecting data on the treatment outcomes of between 500 to 1,000 patients across all stages of AMD.

It is hoped the study, which will take place over a three-year period, will provide data which could help inform regulatory bodies, such as National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).