At Earlam and Christopher we have continually invested in technology that will protect our patients eye health. We provide the latest cutting-edge treatments to offer you the best possible eye care available.
We are excited to offer a new breakthrough light therapy treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration. The new technology using photobiomodulation technology to regenerate retinal cells.
The treatment is painless and safe. We are one of the only practices in the UK to be able to offer this new treatment.
What is AMD?
Current Treatment?
Historically there has been no other treatment for dry AMD. However, patients are advised to address lifestyle changes for example using UV protection, have a nutrient rich diet and not smoking. We may also recommend specific supplements.
Treatment for WET AMD typically involves anti-VEGF injections to interrupt the growth of abnormal blood vessels which are leaking. This treatment is unfortunately ineffective on dry AMD.
Who Can Benefit?
The treatment is primarily designed for patients with early and intermediate dry AMD but is also safe for most patients. In early AMD patients often have several small drusen of a few medium-sized drusen. There are generally no symptoms in the early stages of AMD.
Intermediate AMD is characterised by either many medium size drusen or one or more large drusen, there may also be changes to the pigmentation of the retina. Some people might start to notice mild to moderate visual loss. Common symptoms include difficulty seeing in low light, mild blurriness in their central vision and difficulty recognising faces.
The Treatment Process
An initial comprehensive eye examination will take place before treatment commences. At this appointment in depth scans will be taken of your eyes including OCT and Optos scans. This will allow the Optometrist to achieve baseline measurements and assess the overall health of the retina.
The treatment typically takes places over a few sessions where you will wear a light therapy mask.
Initial treatment: involves 7-8 sessions which are 3-4 days apart.
Phase 1 – wearing the LLM® LLLT yellow mask for 6 minutes.
Phase 2 – wearing the LLM® LLLT red mask for 6 minutes.
After 4- 6 months a maintenance cycle ca be performed consisting of 6 sessions, also spaced 3-4 days apart.
Expected Results
LLM® LLLT technology aims to slow down the progression of dry AMD and improve the quality of life. It has been proven it can:
- Reduce central drusen volume
- Improve vision
- Improve contract sensitivity
FIG 1
FIG 2
FIG 3
Figures 1, 2, and 3, which are retinal images of the identical eye, depict a marked decrement in the volume of drusen within the macular region, corroborating the therapeutic efficacy of the intervention.
How does photobiomodulation slow down dry AMD?
As age progresses, the degenerative nature of AMD intensifies due to increased production of reactive oxygen species. This leads to oxidative stress, retinal damage and degeneration. Mitochondria play a central role in maintaining the retinal function and therefore vision.
Photobiomodulation uses light therapy to promote cellular repair and regeneration. The treatment targets these mitochondrial dysfunctions effectively by stimulating ATP production and reducing oxidative stress. Therefore, reducing the progression of AMD and supporting retinal health. The scientifically backed treatment is used to potentially slow disease progression, preserve vision and improve quality of life.
LLM® LLLT technology involves targeted use of selected wavelengths visible light to near -infrared light (500-1000nm)
Yellow light (590nm)
–naturally inhibits expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, a signalling protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels that contributes to the development of WET AMD. It also reduces oxidative stress and increases local oxygen delivery. The light helps to restore mitochondria function and increase ATP production.
Red light(630 nm)
-significantly increases ATP production. The light helps to restore mitochondria function and increase energy production. The wavelength inhibits inflammatory events and cells death.