Low-Level Laser therapy improves vision in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa

• Verfasst von: Ivandic, Boris [VerfasserIn]
• Verfasst von: Ivandić, Tomislav [VerfasserIn]
• Titel: Low-Level Laser therapy improves vision in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa
• Verf.angabe: Boris T. Ivandic, Tomislav Ivandic
• E-Jahr: 2014
• Jahr: 12 Mar 2014
• Umfang: 4 S.
• Fussnoten: Gesehen am 16.09.2020
• Titel Quelle: Enthalten in: Photomedicine and laser surgery
• Ort Quelle: Larchmont, NY : Liebert, 2004
• Jahr Quelle: 2014
• Band/Heft Quelle: 32(2014), 3, Seite 181-184
• ISSN Quelle: 1557-8550
• DOI: doi:10.1089/pho.2013.3535
• Datenträger: Online-Ressource
• Sprache: eng
• K10plus-PPN: 1733109587

Abstract

Objective: This case report describes the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in a single patient with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Background data: RP is a heritable disorder of the retina, which eventually leads to blindness. No therapy is currently available. Methods: LLLT was applied using a continuous wave laser diode (780 nm, 10 mW average output at 292 Hz, 50% pulse modulation). The complete retina of eyes was irradiated through the conjunctiva for 40 sec (0.4 J, 0.333 W/cm2) two times per week for 2 weeks (1.6 J). A 55-year-old male patient with advanced RP was treated and followed for 7 years. Results: The patient had complained of nyctalopia and decreasing vision. At first presentation, best visual acuity was 20/50 in each eye. Visual fields were reduced to a central residual of 5 degrees. Tritan-dyschromatopsy was found. Retinal potential was absent in electroretinography. Biomicroscopy showed optic nerve atrophy, and narrow retinal vessels with a typical pattern of retinal pigmentation. After four initial treatments of LLLT, visual acuity increased to 20/20 in each eye. Visual fields normalized except for a mid-peripheral absolute concentric scotoma. Five years after discontinuation of LLLT, a relapse was observed. LLLT was repeated (another four treatments) and restored the initial success. During the next 2 years, 17 additional treatments were performed on an “as needed” basis, to maintain the result. Conclusions: LLLT was shown to improve and maintain vision in a patient with RP, and may thereby have contributed to slowing down blindness.