Current treatments for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are limited to the later form of the disease. Both complications and high costs should be expected with outpatient surgery.
In recent years, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used with great success in ophthalmology (1– 3). This is a transconjunctival irradiation of the affected area of the retina with a weak continuous wave (CW) laser. The laser strength is so low that it cannot damage healthy or diseased cells. All stages of AMD are treatable.
The laser causes hyperpolarization of the cell membrane and activation of the resynthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which provides free energy for the regenerative bioprocesses through hydrolysis. This facilitates the transport of cell debris towards choriocapillaris and regeneration, and edema and exudates are absorbed. Visual acuity, color vision, and central scotoma improve. The therapy is non-invasive, simple, of short duration, inexpensive, and non-damaging to tissue. As it has no adverse effects, it can be used both curatively and preventively to preserve eyesight. It can be repeated as often as necessary.
Footnotes
Conflict of interest statement
The author declares that no conflict of interest exists.
References
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