Exciting news has emerged for patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as the first treatment for the condition is now available in the UK. This groundbreaking development offers hope for maintaining or improving vision in individuals suffering from this degenerative eye condition.

Following successful trials in the US, a non-invasive light therapy treatment is now being offered at select private clinics in the UK. This treatment aims to stimulate cells at the back of the eye using light therapy, potentially providing a viable option for individuals with dry AMD.

Currently, there are no approved treatment options for dry AMD on the NHS, leaving patients to manage the condition through lifestyle changes. With an estimated 700,000 people in the UK affected by AMD, this development brings a ray of hope for those grappling with the impact of this condition.

AMD, which affects a significant portion of the aging population, can lead to blurring or distortion of vision and, in severe cases, blindness. The condition comes in two forms – wet and dry AMD, with the latter being more prevalent among patients. While treatments exist for wet AMD, the lack of approved treatments for dry AMD has been a significant gap in addressing the needs of affected individuals.

The newly available treatment utilizes photobiomodulation, employing LED light at different wavelengths to stimulate and rejuvenate cells at the back of the eye. A randomized controlled trial in the US demonstrated promising results, with patients undergoing the light therapy showing nearly double the improvements in vision compared to those treated with a placebo device.

During the trial, patients received a series of brief treatment sessions over a period of three to five weeks, with repeat sessions scheduled every four months. The outcomes revealed that individuals treated with the innovative light therapy were able to read significantly more letters on a sight chart, indicating tangible improvements in their vision. Additionally, these patients exhibited reduced swelling within the eye, a positive indicator suggesting potential slowing of the disease’s progression.

The study, published in the journal Retina, has sparked optimism among healthcare professionals and individuals affected by AMD. With the availability of this pioneering treatment in the UK, it is anticipated that more individuals grappling with dry AMD will have access to a potential solution for preserving and enhancing their vision.