A form of therapy that utilizes non-ionizing forms of light energy delivered by monochromatic (single color) light emitting diodes (LEDs). It is a non-thermal process that results in beneficial clinical outcomes including the reduction of inflammation and the acceleration of tissue repair.

PBM is very different from the conventional use of photon energy in laser medicine where heating and burning are the prevailing mechanisms of action. PBM works through the absorption of photons (light energy) by photoacceptors in the targeted tissue. Once absorbed, activation of mitochondrial respiratory chain resulting in increasesd protein production and changes in signaling molecules that increase protien synthesis, cellular proliferation and cytoprotection.

There is growing confirmation to support an association between mitochondrial dysfunction and a number of retinal degenerations. The susceptibility of neural retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) mitochondria to oxidative damage with ageing appears to be a major factor in retinal degeneration. PBM has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and improvement in mitochondrial function when applied in a dose-dependent manner. Mitochondria based therapies, such as the Retilux ®, target oxidative stress and may offer a potential alternative for the treatment of various retinal degenerative diseases.

Inspired by the many positive outcomes in animal models, clinical investigators have begun to evaluate the usefulness of Retilux ® for the treatment of retinal diseases in human subjects.