Clinical Report: LIGHTSITE IIIB Extends PBM Evidence in Dry AMD
Overview
The LIGHTSITE IIIB extension study demonstrates that retreatment with photobiomodulation (PBM) can restore and sustain visual gains in patients with intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) after a 20-month interruption involving 36 participants. Patients who resumed PBM therapy regained approximately 5 letters of best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), while those switched from sham treatment showed stabilization of vision.
Background
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, and effective treatment options are limited. Photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as a noninvasive therapy that may improve visual outcomes in patients with intermediate dry AMD. Understanding the long-term effects and potential for retreatment with PBM is crucial for optimizing patient care and managing disease progression.
Data Highlights
| Study | BCVA Change | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| LIGHTSITE III | +6.2 letters | 24 months |
| LIGHTSITE IIIB | +5 letters | 13 months post-retreatment |
Key Findings
- Patients resuming PBM after a treatment gap regained approximately 5 letters of BCVA.
- Sham-treated patients showed stabilization of vision but minimal recovery after switching to PBM, with a decline of 5.7 letters during the treatment gap.
- More than 65% of PBM-treated eyes improved by more than 1 line in BCVA.
- Patients with lower baseline BCVA (20/40 or worse) experienced the greatest improvements.
- Baseline disease severity, particularly the presence of geographic atrophy, significantly impacted treatment outcomes.
Clinical Implications
The findings suggest that PBM can be an effective treatment option for patients with intermediate dry AMD, particularly those with lower baseline visual acuity. Clinicians should consider the potential benefits of retreatment with PBM after interruptions in therapy, as it may lead to sustained visual improvements, but also be aware of the risks associated with the therapy.
Conclusion
The LIGHTSITE IIIB study reinforces the role of PBM as a promising therapy for intermediate dry AMD, highlighting its potential to restore vision even after treatment interruptions. Ongoing evaluation of PBM's long-term efficacy and safety will be essential in clinical practice.
References
- LumiThera Reports Positive Results From LIGHTSITE IIIB Extension Trial for Dry AMD, Retinal Physician, 2025 -- LumiThera Reports Positive Results From LIGHTSITE IIIB Extension Trial for Dry AMD
- CLINICAL TRIAL DOWNLOAD: LIGHTSITE III 24-month Photobiomodulation Results, Retinal Physician, 2023 -- CLINICAL TRIAL DOWNLOAD: LIGHTSITE III 24-month Photobiomodulation Results
- Can Photobiomodulation Regulate Dry AMD?, Retinal Physician, 2026 -- Can Photobiomodulation Regulate Dry AMD?
- AAO Preferred Practice Pattern - University of Miami -- AAO Preferred Practice Pattern
- Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Photobiomodulation in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (LIGHTSITE III: 24-Month Analysis), PubMed -- Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Photobiomodulation in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (LIGHTSITE III: 24-Month Analysis)
- Retinal Physician — Photobiomodulation as an Innovative and Promising Treatment for Retinal Disease
- AAO Preferred Practice Pattern - University of Miami
- Long-term Efficacy and Safety of Photobiomodulation in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (LIGHTSITE III: 24-Month Analysis) - PubMed
- Is Multiwavelength Photobiomodulation Effective and Safe for Age-Related Macular Degeneration? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | Ophthalmology and Therapy | Springer Nature Link
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