In the intermediate stage of dry age-related macular degeneration, patients often have drusen, small yellow deposits under the retina, and may notice some blur, but treatment options are limited. Doctors mainly recommend monitoring, healthy habits, and, for some people, AREDS2-type vitamins. At the Retina Society 2026 meeting in Los Angeles, Michael David Ober, MD, presented a small trial of a different approach: very mild electrical current delivered through closed eyelids.
What was tested
The i-SIGHT trial tested transpalpebral microcurrent stimulation using a device made by i-Lumen Scientific. Thirty adults age 50 or older with vision loss from intermediate dry AMD were randomly assigned to active stimulation (21 people) or sham stimulation with no current (9 people). Neither participants nor graders knew who received which. Treatment was given in sessions over five days, then single treatment days at months 1 and 2. Follow-up lasted 12 months.
What they reported
- On OCT scans, defects in a key photoreceptor layer shrank more with active treatment than with sham, for example by 1.1 mm² versus 0.13 mm² at month 3.
- A measure of photoreceptor function on a specialized retinal electrical test improved more with active treatment at several time points.
- Eyes that gained eight or more letters on the eye chart had the most pronounced functional improvement.
- Dr. Ober said there were no significant side effects.
Why caution is warranted
This was a feasibility pilot with only nine people in the comparison group. The investigators themselves describe the results as proof of concept that needs confirmation in larger studies. The device is not an established AMD treatment, and this is a study of a company’s device.
What I advise patients with intermediate AMD
- Check each eye with an Amsler grid, and report new distortion or dark spots promptly.
- Do not smoke, and eat a diet rich in leafy greens and fish.
- Ask whether AREDS2 vitamins fit your stage of disease.
- Be wary of clinics selling unproven “stimulation” treatments outside of clinical trials.
Macular degeneration care is provided by retina specialists; ask for a referral if needed. For more plain-language reading on eye health, see agourahillslasik.com.
Source: Retina Society 2026: Non-invasive electrical stimulation therapy for intermediate dry AMD: improved retinal health and visual acuity (Ophthalmology Times, 09/26/2026). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.
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