Photobiomodulation in Ophthalmology: A Comprehensive Review of Bench-to-Bedside Research and Clinical Integration.
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Narrative review synthesizing preclinical mechanisms and clinical studies without systematic review methodology
PubMed 39429338 · doi:10.7759/cureus.69651
What was done
This narrative review summarizes bench-to-bedside research evaluating photobiomodulation (red and near-infrared low-level light therapy) across ocular conditions. It outlines proposed cellular mechanisms (mitochondrial activation, ATP synthesis, oxidative stress reduction), preclinical findings in retinal and corneal models, reported outcomes from clinical trials (age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye disease), and clinical integration protocols.
What was found
The abstract reports qualitative findings without numerical data or effect sizes. Cellular and animal models demonstrated reduced apoptosis, enhanced cell survival under stress, accelerated corneal wound healing, and reduced scarring. Clinical trials were reported to show improved visual acuity, decreased retinal inflammation, and enhanced tear film stability.
Why it matters
The paper outlines the biological rationale and emerging clinical utility of non-invasive light therapy across anterior and posterior segment eye diseases.
Limits
The abstract provides no quantitative data, effect sizes, or study counts. As a narrative review, it lacks systematic search methodology, risk-of-bias evaluation, and meta-analytic synthesis.