Researchers at the University of Melbourne have found that a new, low-impact energy laser treatment used on a group of patients with early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has produced positive results without adverse side effects.

The early stages of AMD are characterised by the presence of fatty deposits and a thickening of the membrane at the back of the eye. In the study group, the new treatment resulted in improved health of the vital supporting cells at the back of the eye. Associate Professor Erica Fletcher says “these findings suggest treating people with the new nanosecond laser reduces signs of the disease. Importantly, unlike other lasers currently used to treat the disease, the nanosecond laser does not result in damage to the sensitive retina”.

There is also evidence to suggest that treating one eye with the nanosecond laser can lead to improvement in the second untreated eye. For sufferers of the disease, the implication is that it could in future be treated with just one procedure on one eye.

Sources:

1. Medical News Today:
   Macular degeneration may respond to new laser therapy.
2. Medical Xpress:
   New laser therapy helps slow macular degeneration.