International study involving Lublin confirms the efficacy of transscleral lutein iontophoresis in intermediate AMD
Researchers from leading European ophthalmology centres, under the coordination of Professor Mario Damiano Toro of the University of Naples, have reported encouraging results of a multicentre clinical study published in Eye, one of the world’s leading peer-reviewed ophthalmology journals. The study, with the participation of the Department of General Ophthalmology at the Medical University of Lublin led by Professor Robert Rejdak, demonstrates that Transscleral Lutein Iontophoresis is a safe and promising therapeutic option for patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration and reticular pseudodrusen.
Innovative delivery of lutein
The study assessed the efficacy and safety of Transscleral Lutein Iontophoresis (TSLI), an innovative technique that delivers lutein directly to ocular tissues using a low-intensity electrical current.
Thirty eyes from thirty patients with intermediate AMD and RPD were followed for three months. Clinical evaluation included: best corrected visual acuity, fundus autofluorescence, optical coherence tomography (OCT), retinal nerve fibre layer measurements, safety assessment.
Key findings
The investigators reported: a significant improvement in visual acuity, evident after one month and maintained at three months; an increase in the proportion of patients presenting earlier retinal stages; a reduction in more advanced retinal changes; favourable structural changes observed on OCT imaging; no treatment-related adverse events.
Authors’ conclusions
According to the authors, Transscleral Lutein Iontophoresis appears to be a safe and effective therapeutic option for patients with intermediate AMD and reticular pseudodrusen, providing both functional and structural benefits. The researchers emphasize that larger prospective studies with longer follow-up are warranted to confirm these encouraging findings.
The article was published on 24 July 2026 in Eye, the official journal of The Royal College of Ophthalmologists, published by Springer Nature.
Professor Robert Rejdak, MD, PhD Head, Department of General Ophthalmology Medical University of Lublin
„Age-related macular degeneration remains one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. Therefore, identifying safe and effective therapeutic strategies capable of slowing disease progression is a major challenge in modern ophthalmology. The results of our multicentre study suggest that Transscleral Lutein Iontophoresis is a promising therapeutic approach, providing both functional and structural retinal benefits while demonstrating an excellent safety profile.
I am pleased that the Department of General Ophthalmology at the Medical University of Lublin had the opportunity to contribute to this international research project coordinated by Professor Mario Damiano Toro from the University of Naples. Such international collaborations are essential for advancing clinical research and developing innovative treatments for patients at risk of vision loss.”
The participation of the Medical University of Lublin in this multicentre study, published in Eye—one of the world’s leading peer-reviewed ophthalmology journals—highlights the significant contribution of Polish researchers to international efforts aimed at developing innovative treatments for age-related retinal diseases. It also demonstrates how scientific collaboration across Europe can accelerate medical progress and bring new hope to patients at risk of vision loss worldwide.
Editorial note: Liderzy Innowacyjności is a Polish online magazine promoting scientific achievements, technological innovation and international research collaboration. By publishing selected scientific reports in English, the magazine aims to increase the international visibility of Polish researchers and institutions engaged in world-class research.
Źródło: Elfalah M., Borrelli E., Marolo P. i wsp. Short-term efficacy and safety of transscleral lutein iontophoresis in patients with intermediate AMD and reticular pseudodrusen: A retrospective study. Eye (2026). DOI: 10.1038/s41433-026-04731-7.
