title: Low-level laser therapy improves vision in a patient with retinitis pigmentosa.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This case report describes the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in a single patient with retinitis pigmentosa (RP).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  RP is a heritable disorder of the retina, which eventually leads to blindness. No therapy is currently available.
  
  
  METHODS
  LLLT was applied using a continuous wave laser diode (780 nm, 10 mW average output at 292 Hz, 50% pulse modulation). The complete retina of eyes was irradiated through the conjunctiva for 40 sec (0.4 J, 0.333 W/cm2) two times per week for 2 weeks (1.6 J). A 55-year-old male patient with advanced RP was treated and followed for 7 years.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patient had complained of nyctalopia and decreasing vision. At first presentation, best visual acuity was 20/50 in each eye. Visual fields were reduced to a central residual of 5 degrees. Tritan-dyschromatopsy was found. Retinal potential was absent in electroretinography. Biomicroscopy showed optic nerve atrophy, and narrow retinal vessels with a typical pattern of retinal pigmentation. After four initial treatments of LLLT, visual acuity increased to 20/20 in each eye. Visual fields normalized except for a mid-peripheral absolute concentric scotoma. Five years after discontinuation of LLLT, a relapse was observed. LLLT was repeated (another four treatments) and restored the initial success. During the next 2 years, 17 additional treatments were performed on an "as needed" basis, to maintain the result.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  LLLT was shown to improve and maintain vision in a patient with RP, and may thereby have contributed to slowing down blindness.
authors: 1 University of Heidelberg , Otto Meyerhof Centre, Heidelberg, Germany .
authors: Boris T
authors: BT
authors: Ivandic
authors: Tomislav
authors: T
authors: Ivandic
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012174:Retinitis Pigmentosa / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014785:Vision, Ocular