Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a common eye condition that affects the part of the eye called the macula, leading to vision loss. There are two types of AMD: “wet” and “dry.”
The LIGHTSITE III Clinical Trial focuses on dry AMD, which is the most common form and often leads to gradual vision loss. Unfortunately, there are limited treatments available for dry AMD, which is why new therapies are being studied.
The light therapy used in this clinical trial, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is a treatment that uses different wavelengths of light to improve cell health.
In this trial, a special light therapy device called the LumiThera Valeda Light Delivery System was used. This system emits three types of light: yellow, red, and near-infrared. The goal of this therapy is to stimulate the cells in the retina, improve their function, and possibly slow down or prevent further vision loss in people with dry AMD.
What Did the LIGHTSITE III Clinical Trial Do and Find?
This trial aimed to test how safe and effective PBM light therapy is for treating dry AMD. It involved 100 participants, aged 50 and older, who were randomly assigned to receive either the light therapy or a sham (placebo) treatment. The treatments took place over 13 months, with patients receiving a total of four series of treatments. The study looked at how well the participants’ vision improved and whether the treatment slowed the progression of AMD.
The light therapy showed a clear benefit for patients’ vision. On average, those receiving the therapy improved by 5.4 letters on a vision chart, compared to 3 letters for the placebo group. This means that the treatment helped many patients see more clearly.
The trial also found that the light therapy reduced the risk of developing a more severe form of AMD known as geographic atrophy, which causes further vision loss. Only 1.1% of the eyes treated with PBM developed this severe form, compared to 10% in the placebo group.
The therapy was found to be safe, with very few side effects. Some patients reported mild dry eyes, but no serious issues were linked to the treatment itself.
How Does This Light Therapy Work?
The light therapy works by stimulating energy production in the cells of the eye. It targets the mitochondria, which are like the “batteries” inside cells, helping them work better. This is thought to protect the retinal cells from damage and promote healing, slowing the progression of the disease.
What Does This Mean for Patients?
The LIGHTSITE III trial shows promising results for people with dry AMD. It suggests that light therapy could not only help improve vision but also slow down the worsening of the disease. While more research is needed to confirm these findings over a longer period, this therapy could provide a new option for managing dry AMD in the future.
Summary
The LIGHTSITE III clinical trial explored a new light therapy, known as PBM, for treating dry AMD. This therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to improve retinal cell function and potentially slow down vision loss. Over 13 months, the trial showed that the therapy helped improve patients’ vision by an average of 5.4 letters on a vision chart, reduced the risk of severe AMD progression, and was well-tolerated with minimal side effects. While more research is needed, these findings suggest that light therapy could be a promising new treatment for managing dry AMD in the future.
