Kirk Road Eye Care introduces new treatment for macular disease

We speak to Johnathan Waugh from Kirk Road Eye Care, the first practice in Scotland to offer the exciting, multipurpose treatment known as Eye-Light therapy

WHAT IS EYE-LIGHT THERAPY AND WHAT DOES IT TREAT? 

Eye-Light is the brand name for a device made by Espansione, an Italian medical company at the forefront of light therapy. 

The device uses an array of medical grade LEDs set into a face mask to deliver specific wavelengths of light to the face and/or eyes to improve cellular metabolism. This stimulates natural healing processes while reducing bacterial or microbial colonisation of the eyelids, (including reducing Demodex mites if they are present) through a process called photobiomodulation (PBM).

The red and blue LED masks are very effective at helping to manage blepharitis, styes and rosacea.

The device also generates high power light for treating meibomian gland dysfunction, a root cause of dry eye symptoms and styes. 

This is called intense pulse light (IPL) therapy and can be delivered alongside the low level LED light or independently, depending on the patient’s needs. 

After this technology had proven to be very successful for thousands of patients, Espansione began developing the low level light technology (LLLT) to treat retinal conditions. The Eye-Light device was updated, allowing optometrists to treat macular disease (specifically dry macular degeneration) along with other retinal conditions that are not responding to conventional treatments such as macular oedema and central serous retinopathy.

An image of a retina showing intermediate dry macular degeneration

AS THE FIRST PRACTICE IN SCOTLAND WITH EYE-LIGHT, WHY DID YOU INVEST IN THIS TECHNOLOGY?

My parents both have intermediate dry macular degeneration and are at risk of developing the wet form of the disease which can have a devastating impact on central vision, dramatically impacting their quality of life; many patients with wet MD in both eyes have to give up driving and struggle to enjoy many activities requiring good sight including reading or watching TV.

Up to now, all I have been able to offer patients with dry macular degeneration is nutritional advice and vitamin supplements but the Eye-Light device is a promising new therapy which could reduce their risk of developing wet MD and prolong good vision.

Using this new technology, my mum and dad have shown improvement in their vision following the first cycle of therapy.

So, I am delighted to be able to share the potential of these new therapy options across Renfrewshire.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO DIAGNOSE MACULAR DISEASE EARLY?

The challenge with MD is that like many eye conditions, it is symptomless in the early stages. However, this is when treatment can be most effective. 

Regular NHS eye examinations should detect early macular changes and your optometrist should discuss options with you, including LLLT.

As this is a new technology, some optometrists may not be aware that the therapy is now available locally. 

We are happy to accept referrals from any practice and will keep them informed of progress during the treatment cycle.

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WHO IS MOST AT RISK FROM MACULAR DEGENERATION? 

The main risk factors for MD are genetics and smoking. If you have parents or siblings with macular degeneration, it is more likely you will develop it yourself in later years. Typically, MD starts to become detectable in the 6th or 7th decade of life but can present earlier, particularly in patients who are heavy smokers or have a history of high sunlight exposure when they were younger.

WHO IS MOST AT RISK FROM DRY EYE DISEASE? 

Dry eye symptoms generally develop with age but can be exacerbated by working in dry environments, a lot of screen/device work or poor hydration. Some medications can also increase symptoms and reduce tear quality, such as HRT or antihistamines.

HOW CAN PEOPLE ACCESS THIS TREATMENT?

Unfortunately, Eye-Light therapy is not covered under the NHS and the cost varies depending on what is needed. Before offering light therapy to any patient, we would carry out a full assessment which may include an NHS eye examination or a private assessment including imaging or scans of your eyes as required.

Eye-Light is typically delivered over 3-8 sessions a few days apart, to build up the cellular response to the light stimulus and improve natural function gently over time. Kirk Road Eye Care can tailor the Eye-Light therapy to suit you, with appointments available Monday to Saturday. 

Visit the clinic at West Lodge, Kirk Road, Houston, PA6 7AS, 01505 341259, or you can book online via their website.