Tear biomarkers may help predict response to low-level light therapy after cataract surgery

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) improved ocular surface recovery after cataract surgery in patients with dry eye disease (DED), according to a study.

Among 98 randomized patients, 88 were included in the final analysis, with 44 assigned to LLLT and 44 to sham treatment. Those treated with LLLT showed significantly greater improvement than sham-treated controls (44.2% vs 4.4%; P < 0.0001). In patients with DED, LLLT significantly increased levels of GDF-15 and PDGF-CC, while β-NGF increases were greater in patients with preclinical disease.

Biomarker findings suggested reduced inflammation following LLLT, whereas sham-treated eyes showed persistent inflammation. Researchers also reported strong predictive performance from models integrating clinical and molecular data.

Reference
Timofte-Zorila MM, Pavel-Tanasa M, Giannaccare G, et al. Tear biomarker changes and ocular surface recovery with low-level light therapy after cataract surgery: a double-masked randomized controlled clinical trial. Sci Rep. 2026;doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-53521-4. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 42162158.