Retinal rejuvenation is a name given by the company that sells a new-generation laser machine to ophthalmologists. The laser is used to treat the retina with the hope of delaying loss of vision from age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Although the laser company calls this treatment “retinal rejuvenation,” this name may be overstating the true effects of this new laser.
The scientific basis for the use of the laser for macular degeneration is the LEAD study. This study evaluated 292 patients with ARMD over a three-year period. Half of the eyes were treated with the new micro-pulse laser and the remainder received sham treatment for comparison. Overall, the treatment was not shown to be of benefit in slowing the loss of vision from macular degeneration. However, when looking at subsets of eyes with certain types of macular degeneration (no reticular pseudodrusen), there was a trend toward a benefit. These results, however, had a weak fragility index (meaning that more research is needed). Conversely, eyes with reticular pseudodrusen (subretinal drusenoid deposits) lost vision at a greater rate after undergoing retinal rejuvenation than those eyes that were not treated.
“Retinal rejuvenation” needs more study before it is implemented on a wide scale basis. It is currently (2018) not approved for this use in the United States. More research is needed to better establish its helpfulness in reducing the risk of vision loss from age-related macular degeneration and to identify potential risks involved with its use.
I do not recommend the “retinal rejuvenation” treatment for age-related macular degeneration by the new micro-pulse laser at this time. I look forward to more high-quality research in the future to better establish the potential role of this laser for my patients with ARMD.
Copyright © 2018 Scott E Pautler MD. All rights reserved.