Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal disease and one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in people over 50. Espansione Group's LM™ LLLT photobiomodulation technology is at the forefront of emerging treatment approaches for this condition.

Classification

AMD is clinically classified into stages based on the extent of retinal changes:

• Early AMD — Small drusen deposits; limited impact on vision
• Intermediate AMD (AREDS 2–3) — Larger drusen; possible early vision changes; primary target for LM™ LLLT research
• Late/Advanced AMD (AREDS 4) — Significant vision loss; subdivided into:
  • Dry (geographic atrophy)
  • Wet (neovascular)

Current Research: LightWave I & II

Espansione Group is conducting LightWave I and II — multicentric, randomized controlled clinical investigations of LM™ LLLT via the eye-light® platform for intermediate dry AMD.

Preliminary results from LightWave I include:

• A 68-year-old patient (AREDS 3) whose best-corrected visual acuity improved from 50 to 55 ETDRS letters, with complete resolution of soft drusen, after bi-weekly sessions over four weeks.
• A 55-year-old patient with non-neovascular AMD who saw visual acuity rise from 25 to 60 ETDRS letters.

Regulatory Milestone

In 2024–2025, the eye-light® device was granted a CE (MDR) Mark extension covering the treatment of dry AMD, representing a significant regulatory milestone for photobiomodulation in posterior segment care.

Mechanism of Action (Posterior Segment)

Yellow LM™ LLLT (590 nm) plays a key role in posterior segment applications by:

• Naturally inhibiting VEGF expression, reducing abnormal blood vessel formation associated with wet AMD
• Increasing nitric oxide signalling, reducing oxidative stress in retinal cells
• Restoring mitochondrial function and boosting ATP production in photoreceptors

Broader Posterior Segment Applications

Beyond AMD, LM™ LLLT has shown early-stage results in managing Central Serous Chorioretinopathy (cCSC) and is being studied for its role in managing intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients with comorbid DED.

Clinical information is derived from publicly available literature for scientific exchange. Consult your retinal specialist for guidance on individual treatment options.