Condition focus: Retinitis Pigmentosa & Progressive Visual Field Loss
Retinitis pigmentosa causes progressive peripheral visual field constriction and night blindness with limited therapeutic options beyond supportive care. This clinical study evaluated low-level laser therapy in multiple patients with retinitis pigmentosa at various disease stages. Patients received low-level laser photobiomodulation treatments with comprehensive assessment including visual acuity, visual field perimetry, electroretinography, and subjective visual function questionnaires performed before treatment and at regular follow-up intervals.
Results showed that a majority of treated patients demonstrated stabilization or modest improvement in visual field parameters compared to expected progressive constriction. Visual acuity remained stable in most patients, with some showing improvements particularly in contrast sensitivity. Electroretinography responses showed stabilization or slight enhancement in treated eyes. Patients consistently reported improved subjective visual function including better night vision adaptation and enhanced contrast perception. No adverse effects were observed during the treatment period. The study provides expanded clinical evidence beyond single case reports that low-level laser therapy may slow retinitis pigmentosa progression, supporting photobiomodulation’s potential to preserve residual retinal function through enhanced mitochondrial support and reduced oxidative stress in degenerating photoreceptors.
WaveFront Alignment:
Koev’s multi-patient study demonstrates low-level laser therapy can stabilize visual function in retinitis pigmentosa, validating the Spectral WaveFront’s application for progressive genetic retinal degenerations where preserving residual photoreceptor function represents critical therapeutic goal.
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Editor’s note: Koev 2015 expands clinical evidence for LLLT in retinitis pigmentosa beyond single cases. For related case report, see Ivandic 2014. For inherited retinal degeneration mechanisms, see Gopalakrishnan 2012. Broader photoreceptor preservation context appears in Chu-Tan 2016 and Albarracin 2011. For other Koev clinical work, see Koev 2018 (AMD).
Related Articles
- Low-Level Laser Therapy in Retinitis Pigmentosa – Ivandic 2014
- Photobiomodulation in Inherited Retinal Degeneration – Gopalakrishnan 2012
- Efficacy of 670 nm Light Therapy Depends on Damage Severity – Chu-Tan 2016
- PBM Protects Photoreceptors from Light-Induced Degeneration – Albarracin 2011
- Five-Year Follow-Up of LLLT in AMD – Koev 2018
Key Takeaways
- Majority of RP patients showed visual field stabilization or modest improvement versus expected progressive constriction
- Visual acuity remained stable with some patients showing contrast sensitivity improvements
- Patients reported enhanced subjective visual function including improved night vision and contrast perception
- No adverse effects observed; expanded evidence supporting photobiomodulation for progressive genetic retinal degeneration
Study Overview
| Study Type: | Clinical study (multi-patient) |
| Wavelength(s): | Low-level laser therapy (wavelength not specified) |
| Treatment Protocol: | Laser photobiomodulation with comprehensive visual function assessment |
| Sample Size: | Multiple patients with retinitis pigmentosa at various disease stages |
| Primary Outcome: | Visual field stabilization and improved subjective visual function without adverse effects |
Full Citation
Koev K, et al. (2015). Application of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Acta Medica Bulgarica, 42(1):20-25. View Publication
