2RT Laser For AMD

The Foundation has received questions from patients regarding the use of the 2RT laser for the treatment of early AMD.

Comments:

• Research into the use of the Ellex 2RT laser to stop or slow the progression of early AMD is continuing.
• Although there is preliminary evidence that the laser may be effective in removing drusen, there is still no evidence regarding the long-term safety of the procedure, nor whether it has any beneficial effect on the progression of the disease.
• Until this evidence is available, the Foundation only supports the use of the laser within properly conducted clinical trials.
• Patients should be aware that if they are part of these trials they should not be required to pay for 2RT laser treatment.

About the 2RT - laser

A world first, randomised trial called LEAD using an ultra-short duration (“nano-second”) laser, developed in Australia, has recruited 292 participants from five centres in Australia and one in the UK. These people who have high risk, early stages of AMD will now be followed for a further 2 years to see if the laser is able to slow or halt the progression of disease. Unlike other forms of laser, 2RT does not appear to cause any damage to photoreceptor cells. The trial has already been running for four years, with half of the participants receiving 2RT laser treatment and half receiving inactive ("placebo") treatment.

The trial is expected to be completed in 2018.

24 May 2016