Age-related macular degeneration
PBM for age-related macular degeneration meta-analysis of RCTs
Rassi TNO, Barbosa LM, Pereira S, et al. International Journal of Retina and Vitreous. 2024.
A 2024 meta-analysis found statistically significant changes in some dry AMD outcomes, but not clinically meaningful benefits and high risk of bias.
Evidence grade
low
Effect direction
mixed
Panel relevance
not-panel-replicable
Key findings
- The review included three RCTs with 247 eyes.
- PBM improved best-corrected visual acuity by 1.76 letters and reduced drusen volume versus sham.
- Trial sequential analysis and minimal clinically important difference analysis indicated insufficient and not clinically significant evidence.
Protocol details
| Wavelengths | Not reported nm |
|---|---|
| Irradiance | Not reported mW/cm2 |
| Fluence | Not reported J/cm2 |
| Session time | Not reported minutes |
| Frequency | Ophthalmology-device specific |
| Duration | Ophthalmology-device specific |
| Treatment area | Eyes/retina via ophthalmic PBM systems |
| Device type | Specialized ophthalmic photobiomodulation devices |
Caveats
- Do not translate eye-device evidence to consumer panels.
- Eye exposure and retinal disease require ophthalmologist supervision.