Condition focus: Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), Macular Oedema & Retinal Mitochondrial Support
Intraocular injections of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) inhibitors have been shown to improve swelling of central retina (macular oedema) and vision in patients with retinal vein occlusions, however this treatment comes with potentially sight threatening risks. A less invasive treatment might have many advantages. Previous research showed that eyes with macular oedema caused by diabetes, the other main cause of macular oedema, who received treatment with near-infrared light was not only safe but was also effective in reducing the swelling.
This study investigates whether near-infrared PBM can similarly benefit retinal vein occlusion patients with macular oedema, offering a non-invasive alternative or adjunct to anti-VEGF therapy.
WaveFront Alignment:
Cornish’s NIR data align with the mitochondrial and inflammatory pathways relevant to the Spectral WaveFront’s 670 nm and 810 nm wavelengths. Although dosing parameters and delivery differ, the safety and retinal metabolic rationale are consistent with red/NIR PBM mechanisms involving cytochrome c oxidase activation and oxidative-stress modulation.
Link to original research here
Editor’s note: Cornish 2021 contributes to the emerging evidence that near-infrared PBM may influence macular oedema in retinal vascular disease. For comparison with WaveFront wavelength selection and retinal dose windows, see our WaveFront Evidence Alignment. Related vascular pathology mitochondrial support is discussed in Roy 2016. ATP restoration in aging photoreceptors is demonstrated in Gkotsi 2014, and optic nerve injury models showing NIR neuroprotection are detailed in Fitzgerald 2010.
Related Articles
- PBM Therapy for Center-Involved Diabetic Macular Edema – Kim 2022
- Recharging Mitochondrial Batteries in Old Eyes – Gkotsi 2014
- Mechanistic Insights into Diabetic Retina Pathology – Roy 2016
- NIR Reduces Oxidative Stress in Optic Nerve Injury – Fitzgerald 2010
- Far-Red Light Inhibits Early Diabetic Retinopathy Lesions – Tang 2013
Key Takeaways
- NIR PBM investigated as non-invasive alternative for macular oedema in retinal vein occlusion
- Previous diabetic macular oedema studies demonstrated NIR safety and swelling reduction
- Potential to reduce reliance on anti-VEGF injections and associated sight-threatening risks
- Study supports mitochondrial and vascular mechanisms as therapeutic targets in retinal oedema
Study Overview
| Study Type: | Clinical trial |
| Wavelength(s): | Near-infrared (specific wavelength in trial protocol) |
| Treatment Protocol: | Details in clinical trial registration |
| Sample Size: | Retinal vein occlusion patients with macular oedema |
| Primary Outcome: | Safety and efficacy of NIR PBM for reducing macular oedema in RVO |
Full Citation
Cornish E. (2021). Near-infrared light photobiomodulation treatment for retinal vein occlusion macular oedema (NIRVO). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04847869. View Publication
