A Pilot Study Evaluating Photobiomodulation Therapy for Diabetic Macular Edema (AE)
Sponsored by Jaeb Center for Health Research, in collaboration with JDRF, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Eye Institute (NEI) and PhotoOptx LLC
Focus Area: Complications Treatment
What is This Study?
Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a serious complication of diabetes caused by the weakening of blood vessels in the eye, leading to fluid seeping into your retina and potentially lead to vision loss. DME is typically treated by injections of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor therapy (Anti-VEGF) drugs. This study is testing the effects of photobiomodulation, quite literally shining a light into the eye. More specifically, shining a 670nm (red) wavelength device twice a day for 90 seconds through four months to see if there is improvement, measured by mean change in central subfield thickness, as well as a host of secondary outcomes.
Why do We Care?
If given the option between receiving a painful injection in the eye, or having a light shone in it for a total of three minutes a day, most people would opt for the light! Although this is a pilot study, any positive results would still be extremely exciting for people currently dealing with eye complications from diabetes, or who may be dealing with them in the future.
When Might we See Results?
Estimated Primary Completion Date : April 21, 2020
Estimated Study Completion Date : August 21, 2020
Further Reading
Stay tuned for in-depth coverage from Beyond Type 1 on the results of this study. To learn more about this trial click here
