AMD - Age-Related Macular DegenerationNCT07409389
Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
A study testing RLRL device in people with AMD - Age-Related Macular Degeneration, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in China.
Trial summary
This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 50 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- AMD - Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- What is being tested?
- RLRL device
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 94 participants
- Where
- 1 siteChina
- Study dates
- 26 Jan 2026to 1 Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 50 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age ≥ 50 years old.
- Diagnosis of dry AMD in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) category 2 to 4, as determined by color fundus photography and fundus autofluorescence imaging. The AREDS categories will be defined as follows:
- AREDS category 2 (early AMD): Multiple small drusen, a few intermediate drusen (63-124 μm in diameter), or retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) abnormalities ii) AREDS category 3 (intermediate AMD): Extensive intermediate drusen, including at least one large drusen (> 125 μm in diameter), or geographic atrophy (GA) not involving the center of the fovea.
- AREDS category 4 (advanced/late AMD): GA involving the center of the macula.
- If both eyes meet the inclusion criteria, both eyes will be included in the study analysis.
- ETDRS BCVA score between 50 and 75 (Snellen equivalent of 20/32 to 20/100). Willingness to provide written informed consent after being informed of the nature of the study.
Who cannot join
- Previous or active neovascular maculopathy.
- Presence of center involving GA within the central 500 μm of the ETDRS grid.
- Ocular disease other than dry AMD that could cause drusen (glomerulonephritis Type 2, Autosomal dominant drusen), GA (North Carolina macular dystrophy), or mitochondrial disorders (parafoveal petaloid GA, Stargardt disease).
- Invasive eye surgery (e.g. cataract extraction, capsulotomy) within 3 months.
- Cognitive impairment or history of epilepsy.
- Other significant ocular disease affecting visual acuity (e.g., diabetic macular edema, uncontrolled glaucoma, active uveitis, vitreoretinal disease, intraocular tumor, retinal vascular disease, lens opacities more severe than C2, N2, P2 [LOCS III]).
- Afterimage > 5 min (contraindication of red-light therapy).
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
China1 site
The Hong Kong Polytchnic University
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Staff, 85227665111, polyu@polyu.edu.hk
About this study
Official title: Safety and Efficacy of Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The primary objective is to assess the effect of RLRL therapy on visual function in patients with dry AMD, while the secondary objective is to evaluate its safety and tolerability.
Seventy-four participants aged 50 years or older with dry AMD will be enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the active RLRL intervention group (using the full device power) or the control group (sham device at 10% power). Group assignments will be masked to both participants and investigators. Participants will administer the treatment at home twice daily (3-minute sessions, with at least a 4-hour interval between sessions) over five consecutive weekdays each month for three months. A video tutorial will guide device usage, with ongoing support from the research team.
Read more
Before enrollment, participants will undergo a comprehensive assessment, including ocular and family history review, OCT, and fundus photography to confirm eligibility. Evaluations will occur at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months, covering best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp examination, OCT, OCT angiography (OCTA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), contrast sensitivity, color vision, electroretinography (ERG), visual-related quality of life (VRQL) questionnaires, and adverse event monitoring.
The primary outcome is the mean change in BCVA from baseline to 3 months. Secondary outcomes include changes in central drusen thickness, geographic atrophy (GA) size and progression, choroidal blood flow, contrast sensitivity, ERG responses, and VRQL scores.
Given the limited treatment options for dry AMD, which are primarily focused on lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements, this study investigates the potential of RLRL therapy as a novel, non-invasive treatment. The results may address the unmet medical need in dry AMD, potentially slowing disease progression and improving patients' quality of life.
- Conditions
- AMD - Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Being tested
- RLRL device, Sham device
- Keywords
- Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Red light therapy, Visual function
- Medical subject headings
- Macular Degeneration
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
RLRL deviceDevice
Each participant in the RLRL therapy group will be provided a repeated low-level red-light therapy (RLRL) device, which they are required to use twice daily for 3minutes per session, with a minimum interval of 4 hours between sessions (5 days a week) for three month.
Sham deviceDevice
Each participant in the sham group will be provided a sham therapy device, which they are required to use twice daily for 3minutes per session, with a minimum interval of 4 hours between sessions (5 days a week) for three month.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| RLRL therapy group | Active comparator | The RLRL therapy group will undergorepeated low-level red-light therapy (RLRL).The light power through a 4-mm pupil is 0.29 mW for the RLRL device. Receives: Device: RLRL device |
| Sham therapy group | Sham comparator | The sham therapy group will use a sham device, which operates at only 10% of the active RLRL device's power. The light power through a 4-mm pupil is 0.03mW for the sham device. Receives: Device: Sham device |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
The mean change in BCVA measured by ETDRS chart
An Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart (Precision Vision, Villa Park, Illinois, USA) with standard illumination will be used to measure distance visual acuity. Best corrected visual acuity and uncorrected visual acuity will be measured.
Measured: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Secondary outcomes (6)
Change in central drusen volume measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Spectral-domain OCT (Spectralis OCT; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) with 49 parallel B-scan lines will be used to image the study eye. The automated real-time (ART) function will average 16 frames per scan. Measurements will include sub-RPE macular drusen volume within the 6 × 6 mm ETDRS grid and mean central subfield sub-RPE drusen thickness within the central 1-mm ETDRS subfield. Automated and manually corrected segmentation of Bruch's membrane and the RPE, provided by the Heidelberg software, will be used for analysis.
Measured: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Change in central drusen thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Spectral-domain OCT (Spectralis OCT; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) with 49 parallel B-scan lines will be used to image the study eye. The automated real-time (ART) function will average 16 frames per scan. Measurements will include sub-RPE macular drusen volume within the 6 × 6 mm ETDRS grid and mean central subfield sub-RPE drusen thickness within the central 1-mm ETDRS subfield. Automated and manually corrected segmentation of Bruch's membrane and the RPE, provided by the Heidelberg software, will be used for analysis.
Measured: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Change in retinal sensitivity using microperimetry.
Retinal sensitivity will be assessed using microperimetry performed with the MP-3 microperimeter (NIDEK Co., Ltd., Gamagori, Japan). The device will be used to measure localized retinal sensitivity across the macular region following a standardized testing protocol. Retinal sensitivity thresholds and fixation stability parameters will be recorded and analyzed according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Measured: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Outcomes of visual-related quality of life (VRQL) assessed by the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25)
The 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) will be administered to assess VRQL. This instrument covers 12 subscales: general health, general vision, ocular pain, near vision, distance vision, social functioning, role limitations, mental health, dependency, driving, color vision, and peripheral vision. Each subscale score ranges from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating better self-reported visual function.
Measured: At 3 months compared to baseline
Size of GA assessed by fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging
FAF will be acquired using 488-nm excitation (Spectralis OCT; Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany). GA lesions will be quantified with Region Finder software (Heidelberg Engineering), which provides semi-automated measurement of areas with homogeneous hypoautofluorescence and enables longitudinal assessment of lesion growth.
Measured: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Change in contrast sensitivity using the Mars Letter Contrast Sensitivity Test
The Mars Letter Contrast Sensitivity Test (Mars Perceptrix, Chappaqua, NY, USA) will be performed under standardized photopic lighting at 50 cm. Participants will read letters sequentially from highest to lowest contrast, with contrast decreasing in 0.04 log unit steps. Testing will continue until two consecutive errors are made. Final scores will be calculated per manufacturer's guidelines and expressed in log contrast sensitivity units.
Measured: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Feb 2026
- Study start26 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for AMD - Age-Related Macular DegenerationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 94 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07409389
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HSEARS20250917007
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 18 Jan 2026
- Last updated
- 13 Feb 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: According to the relevant agreement, all parties involved must keep study data confidential throughout thestudy process.
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 13 Feb 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Safety and Efficacy of Repeated Low-Level Red-Light Therapy in Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration: A Randomized Controlled Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07409389
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HSEARS20250917007
- Conditions
- AMD - Age-Related Macular Degeneration
- Keywords
- Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Red light therapy, Visual function
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 94 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 26 Jan 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated low-level red-light (RLRL) therapy in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The primary objective is to assess the effect of RLRL therapy on visual function in patients with dry AMD, while the secondary objective is to evaluate its safety and tolerability.
Seventy-four participants aged 50 years or older with dry AMD will be enrolled and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the active RLRL intervention group (using the full device power) or the control group (sham device at 10% power). Group assignments will be masked to both participants and investigators. Participants will administer the treatment at home twice daily (3-minute sessions, with at least a 4-hour interval between sessions) over five consecutive weekdays each month for three months. A video tutorial will guide device usage, with ongoing support from the research team.
Before enrollment, participants will undergo a comprehensive assessment, including ocular and family history review, OCT, and fundus photography to confirm eligibility. Evaluations will occur at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months, covering best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), slit-lamp examination, OCT, OCT angiography (OCTA), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), contrast sensitivity, color vision, electroretinography (ERG), visual-related quality of life (VRQL) questionnaires, and adverse event monitoring.
The primary outcome is the mean change in BCVA from baseline to 3 months. Secondary outcomes include changes in central drusen thickness, geographic atrophy (GA) size and progression, choroidal blood flow, contrast sensitivity, ERG responses, and VRQL scores.
Given the limited treatment options for dry AMD, which are primarily focused on lifestyle changes and nutritional supplements, this study investigates the potential of RLRL therapy as a novel, non-invasive treatment. The results may address the unmet medical need in dry AMD, potentially slowing disease progression and improving patients' quality of life.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Quadruple blind (participant, care provider, investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| RLRL therapy group | Active comparator | Device: RLRL deviceThe RLRL therapy group will undergorepeated low-level red-light therapy (RLRL).The light power through a 4-mm pupil is 0.29 mW for the RLRL device. |
| Sham therapy group | Sham comparator | Device: Sham deviceThe sham therapy group will use a sham device, which operates at only 10% of the active RLRL device's power. The light power through a 4-mm pupil is 0.03mW for the sham device. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 50 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Age ≥ 50 years old.
- Diagnosis of dry AMD in Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) category 2 to 4, as determined by color fundus photography and fundus autofluorescence imaging. The AREDS categories will be defined as follows:
- If both eyes meet the inclusion criteria, both eyes will be included in the study analysis.
- ETDRS BCVA score between 50 and 75 (Snellen equivalent of 20/32 to 20/100). Willingness to provide written informed consent after being informed of the nature of the study.
Key exclusion criteria (7 listed)
- Previous or active neovascular maculopathy.
- Presence of center involving GA within the central 500 μm of the ETDRS grid.
- Ocular disease other than dry AMD that could cause drusen (glomerulonephritis Type 2, Autosomal dominant drusen), GA (North Carolina macular dystrophy), or mitochondrial disorders (parafoveal petaloid GA, Stargardt disease).
- Invasive eye surgery (e.g. cataract extraction, capsulotomy) within 3 months.
- Cognitive impairment or history of epilepsy.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| RLRL deviceEach participant in the RLRL therapy group will be provided a repeated low-level red-light therapy (RLRL) device, which they are required to use twice daily for 3minutes per session, with a minimum interval of 4 hours between sessions (5 days a week) for three month. | Device | RLRL therapy group |
| Sham deviceEach participant in the sham group will be provided a sham therapy device, which they are required to use twice daily for 3minutes per session, with a minimum interval of 4 hours between sessions (5 days a week) for three month. | Device | Sham therapy group |
Primary outcome
The mean change in BCVA measured by ETDRS chart
Time frame: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
An Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) chart (Precision Vision, Villa Park, Illinois, USA) with standard illumination will be used to measure distance visual acuity. Best corrected visual acuity and uncorrected visual acuity will be measured.
6 secondary outcomes
Change in central drusen volume measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT)
Time frame: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Change in central drusen thickness measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT).
Time frame: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Change in retinal sensitivity using microperimetry.
Time frame: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Outcomes of visual-related quality of life (VRQL) assessed by the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25)
Time frame: At 3 months compared to baseline
Size of GA assessed by fundus autofluorescence (FAF) imaging
Time frame: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Change in contrast sensitivity using the Mars Letter Contrast Sensitivity Test
Time frame: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 13 Feb 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. According to the relevant agreement, all parties involved must keep study data confidential throughout thestudy process.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing RLRL device in people with AMD - Age-Related Macular Degeneration, run by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University at 1 site in China.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 6 inclusion and 7 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 13 Feb 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Mingguang He (85234002795, mingguang.he@polyu.edu.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
The mean change in BCVA measured by ETDRS chart (time frame: At 1month and 3 months compared to baseline). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 13 Feb 2026.