2RT Laser Treatment for Dry AMD: Everything You Need to Know

A Revolutionary Non-Invasive Treatment to Slow the Progression of Dry AMD and Preserve Your Vision.
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What is 2RT Laser Treatment?

2RT, or Retinal Regeneration Therapy, is a modern treatment designed for individuals in the early to intermediate stages of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This condition, characterised by gradual damage to the retina, can lead to vision loss over time. 

2RT is a non-invasive procedure that uses an ultra-gentle, nanosecond laser pulse to activate the retina’s natural repair mechanisms. Unlike traditional laser treatments, which can generate heat and damage surrounding tissues, 2RT uses 500 times less energy, ensuring safety and precision. The treatment targets the outer areas of the retina, avoiding the central fovea, and works by reducing harmful deposits known as Drusen while supporting the retina’s healing processes. For suitable patients, 2RT can slow or halt AMD progression, offering an effective way to preserve your vision. 

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Price of 2RT

At Centre for Sight, treatment pricing is straightforward and packaged to simplify your care plan: 

  • Initial Consultation: £445 
  • This includes comprehensive tests such as Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans to determine your suitability for 2RT treatment. 
  • Annual Treatment Package: £2,120 per eye 

The package includes two laser treatments per eye and follow-up consultations over 12 months. 

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Benefits of 2RT

2RT Laser Treatment offers several key benefits for managing dry AMD: 

  • Non-invasive and safe –The procedure is quick, painless, and does not involve surgery. 
  • Slows disease progression – Helps prevent AMD from advancing to the more severe wet form, reducing the risk of significant vision loss. 
  • Protects photoreceptors –These vital cells responsible for light detection remain intact during the treatment. 
  • Encourages natural repair – The therapy activates the retina’s self-healing mechanisms, fostering regeneration. 
  • Minimises Drusen deposits – Studies have shown a reduction in Drusen (a primary marker of AMD) in nearly half of patients. 
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Patient Journey

Initial Assessment

The journey begins with a thorough consultation to evaluate your eligibility for 2RT.

  • Ocular Coherence Tomography (OCT) scans provide a detailed view of the retina, identifying the stage of AMD and areas of concern.
  • A retinal specialist will review your overall eye health and determine whether 2RT is a suitable option for you.
The Laser Procedure
  • The treatment is performed on an outpatient basis, ensuring convenience. 
  • First, your eyes are numbed with anaesthetic drops, and your pupils are dilated for better access. 
  • A gentle contact lens is placed on your eye to guide the laser and provide a magnified view of the retina. 
  • The actual laser therapy takes only a few minutes and can treat both eyes in a single session. 
Post-Treatment Care
  • Most patients can resume normal activities quickly, though you will not be able to drive immediately due to dilated pupils. 
  • Temporary redness or blurriness may occur but typically resolves within a few hours. 
  • To maintain results, follow-up treatments are generally recommended every six months. 

FAQs

Is 2RT Laser Treatment safe?

Yes, 2RT is considered exceptionally safe. The nanosecond laser technology minimises risks by using very low energy. Side effects are rare but may include temporary blurred vision or mild redness. 

Who is eligible for 2RT?

The treatment is suitable for patients in the early to intermediate stages of dry AMD. A detailed evaluation, including OCT scans, determines eligibility. 

Does 2RT cure AMD?

2RT does not cure AMD but significantly slows its progression. It can preserve your current level of vision and reduce the risk of developing the more severe wet form of AMD.

How many treatments will I need?

Since AMD is a chronic condition, ongoing monitoring and treatments every six months are recommended to manage the disease effectively. 

Are there risks involved?

Risks are minimal. Rare complications may include slight retinal changes, minor bleeding, or transient vision changes, which are usually temporary and resolve on their own. 

References
  1. Guymer R, Brassington K, Dimitrov P et al., Clin Experiment Ophthalmology 2013 Oct 3. Doi:10.1111/ceo.12247
  2. Guymer RH, Wu Z, Hodgson LAB, et al. Subthreshold Nanosecond Laser Intervention in Age Related Macular Degeneration: The LEAD Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial. Ophthalmology 2019 Jun; 126(6):829-838
  3. Fletcher EL, et al. Nanosecond laser therapy reverses pathological and molecular changes in age related macular degeneration without retinal damage. Federation of American Societies of Experimental Biology. November 2014; 28 (11).
  4. Casson RJ. et al., Pilot randomized trial of a nanopulse retinal laser versus conventional photocoagulation for the treatment of diabetic macular oedema. Clin Experiment Ophthalmol.
    2012 Aug;40(6):604–10
  5. Pelosini L, Hamilton R, Mohamed M, et al. Retina Rejuvenation Therapy for Diabetic Macula Edema. A pilot study. Retina. 2012;0:1 –11.
  6. Vessey KA, Ho T, Jobling AI, et al. Nanosecond laser treatment for age-related macular degeneration does not induce focal vision loss or new vessel growth in the retina. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2018;59:731 –745.
  7. Chidlow G, Plunkett M, Casson RJ, et al. Investigations into localized re-treatment of the retina with a 3-nanosecond laser. Lasers Surg. Med. 2016;48(6):602–615.
  8. Jobling AI, Guymer RH, Vessey KA, et al. Nanosecond laser therapy reverses pathologic and molecular changes in agerelated macular degeneration.
  9. Chidlow G, Shibeeb OS, Plunkett M, et al. Glial Cell and Inflammatory Responses to Retinal Laser Treatment: Comparison of a Conventional Photocoagulator and a Novel, 3-Nanosecond Pulse Laser. IOVS. 2013;54(3):2319– 2332.
  10. Wood JPM, Shibeeb OS, Plunkett M, et al. Retinal Damage Profiles and Neuronal Effects of Laser Treatment: Comparison of a Conventional Photocoagulator and a Novel 3-Nanosecond Pulse Laser. IOVS. 2013;54(3):2305–2318b

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