Groundbreaking Study Confirms PBM Therapy Enhances Choriocapillaris Perfusion, Retinal Function and Structure in Intermediate Dry AMD

 

Espansione Group is pleased to announce the publication of the study titled “Photobiomodulation-induced choriocapillaris perfusion enhancement and outer retinal remodeling in intermediate age-related macular degeneration: a promising therapeutic approach with short-term results” in the journal Eye, part of the Nature Portfolio.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in developed countries, with intermediate AMD marked by the presence of drusen and early microvascular changes that compromise retinal health.

This retrospective study examined 30 PBM-treated and 30 control patients, treated with eight sessions of Light Modulation™ Low Level Light Therapy delivered via the eye-light® device over four weeks. The results show statistically significant functional and anatomical improvements in the eyes of patients affected by intermediate AMD, establishing a strong basis for PBM therapy continued clinical use and further research.

 

Key Clinical Findings

• Visual Acuity Improvement: the PBM group experienced a mean gain of +3.2 ± 1.4 letters in BCVA, compared to no significant change in the control group (p = 0.042).
• Drusen Volume Reduction: a decrease in mean drusen volume of 0.003 ± 0.001 mm³ was observed in the PBM group (p = 0.028).
• Choriocapillaris Perfusion: flow deficits in the choriocapillaris were reduced by –3.1 ± 1.4% following PBM (p = 0.024), correlating with visual improvements (r = –0.54, p = 0.002) and reduced drusen volume (r = –0.35, p = 0.042).

 

Scientific Breakthroughs

This publication represents several milestones in AMD research:

• First demonstration of PBM-induced improvement in choriocapillaris perfusion.
• Evidence of correlation between enhanced choroidal microcirculation and visual function recovery following PBM treatment.

• Simultaneous documentation of drusen volume reduction and improved choriocapillaris flow —a dual-structural and functional therapeutic outcome.

• Identification of choriocapillaris perfusion as a potential biomarker for monitoring response to PBM therapy in AMD.

Multimodal imaging analysis of a representative case before and after PBM treatment. Multimodal imaging showing changes in retinal structure and choriocapillaris perfusion at baseline and 2-month follow-up after PBM treatment. Left panels show infrared reflectance images with corresponding structural OCT B-scans. Structural OCT B-scans show reduction in drusen volume at 2-month follow-up.  Right panels show swept-source OCTA (SS-OCTA) analysis of the choriocapillaris with the binarized image showing flow deficits. The binarized images demonstrate decreased choriocapillaris flow deficit percentage (CC FD%) after PBM treatment.

 

Final Remarks

This study reinforces Espansione Group’s vision of pioneering non-invasive, science-driven solutions for eye diseases and beyond. As a global medtech innovator, Espansione is dedicated to transforming care standards through technologies like Light Modulation™ Low-level Light Therapy (LM™ LLLT) Photobiomodulation (PBM).

While AMD remains a major cause of vision loss in the aging population worldwide, the company’s commitment is to bring evidence-based, non-invasive treatments to set new benchmarks for patient care worldwide.

Access the full-length publication on Eye Journal.

 

About Espansione Group

Espansione Group is a recognized pioneer in the medtech industry, focusing on the development of non-invasive treatment and diagnostic technologies built for the betterment of all. The company focuses relentlessly on establishing new paradigms across disciplines, from ophthalmology to dermatology and beyond, driven by its desire to advance regenerative medicine, providing its partners and their patients with the best, certified medical technologies—above all Light Modulation™ Low-level Light Therapy (LM™ LLLT) Photobiomodulation (PBM).

Present in over 50 countries, Espansione Group aims to continue its strong growth in years to come by the means of a constant commitment to research, development, and customer excellence.  

For more information, visit www.espansionegroup.it

 

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Posted on April 23rd, 2025 in Newsroom