A promising future for treating drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments in dry AMD with photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation is an emerging treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Investigators who tested it in a pilot study reported that it seems to be a valid therapeutic option to treat large soft drusen and drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments (PED) in dry AMD and may potentially slow the natural disease course.¹

Manal Benlahbib, MD, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Paris Est – Creteil, was the lead study author.

The study included 20 eyes with large soft drusen and/or drusenoid PED associated with AMD. These eyes underwent twice-weekly treatment with the Valeda Light Delivery System (LumiThera) over the course of 5 weeks.

The outcome measures were the best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), microperimetry-scotopic testing, drusen volume (DV), central drusen thickness, and the quality of life score at baseline and month 6 visits. The BCVA, drusen volume and central drusen thickness also were recorded at week 5.

The investigators observed a significant (p = 0.007) improvement in the BCVA significantly at month 6. The patients gained a mean of 5.5 letters.

Other findings included a decrease in the retinal sensitivity by 0.1 decibels (p=0.17), a mean increase in the fixation stability of 0.45% (P=0.72), a decrease in drusen volume of 0.11 mm3 (p=0.03), and a decrease in the central drusen thickness of 17.05 µm (p=0.01).

In addition, they found that the area of geographic atrophy increased by 0.06 mm2 (p=0.01) over 6 months follow up and the quality of life score increased by an average of 3.07 points (p=0.05). A rupture in the drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment occurred in 1 patient 6 months after the photobiomodulation treatment.

The authors commented, “The visual and anatomic improvements in our patients support previous reports on photobiomodulation. The technology may provide a valid therapeutic option for large soft drusen and drusenoid pigment epithelial detachments in AMD and may potentially slow the natural course of the disease.”

Reference:

1. Benlahbib M, Cohen SY, Torrell N, et al. Photobiomodulation therapy for large soft drusen and drusenoid pigment epithelial detachment in age-related macular degeneration: a single-center prospective pilot study. Retina. 2023;10.1097/IAE.0000000000003805, April 6, 2023; DOI:10.1097/IAE.0000000000003805