In a remarkable milestone for the field of ophthalmology, LumiThera, which is one of the world’s top companies offering PBM therapy, has announced new Category III CPT Code for PBM treatments which target retinal disorders. Beginning from January 2025, this important achievement is a step in the right direction toward the improved chances of reimbursement and ill patient’s access to newer non-surgical modes of treatment for dry type age related macular degeneration.
This achievement is supported with LIGHTSITE III clinical trial which provided strong evidence of the change that PBM can bring. Patients using LumiThera's Valeda PBM system for instance had significant improvement in vision and reduction in the disease progression status, which was maintained for up to 21 months. Additionally, with over 80% of the patients complying during the trial, the results affirm PBM as a viable and beneficial treatment for millions of patients that are prone to vision troubles.
CMI Research: Photobiomodulation Market Set for Explosive Growth
The photobiomodulation industry is set for a big change. The CMI Research forecasts that in 2024, the global photobiomodulation market will have a worth of USD 230.3 million and would record an impressive compound annual growth rate of 10.2% until it hits USD 455.1 million in the year 2031. Among other non-invasive therapies, photobiomodulation therapies have become more popular as there are more and more cases of melanin pigmentation, musculoskeletal issues, as well as dermatological ones, fueling the market. In addition. As the aging population continues to expand, particularly among older adults who are more susceptible to diseases, there is a greater demand for affordable, reliable, and effective treatments.
The North American market is at the forefront of the rest of the world with a lot of investment in research, which in turn raises consumer awareness of PBM, as well as a developed healthcare system. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific region without Japan has great potential for market expansion thanks to the development of medical tourism and increased healthcare accessibility in China, India, and Korea. Notwithstanding this rapid growth, the challenges that the market encounters include underdevelopment in reimbursement mechanisms and the high.
Analyst Opinion: A Milestone for Ophthalmic Innovation
Vipul Patil, Senior Research Consultant at CMI, expressed himself as follows:
“It is a huge milestone for non-invasive retinal treatments that LumiThera was able to obtain a CPT code for the photobiomodulation therapy. Results of LIGHTSITE III trial show that PBM has a great potential in enhancing the quality of life of dry AMD patients. It is amazing to see the impact that PBM is having on how we regard age related diseases, there will be hurdles in terms of reimbursement and cost but the momentum is evident’"
Conclusion: Why It Matters Now?
The recent launch of the CPT code is in line with the increasing international trends of more patient-focused, minimally invasive treatments. Specifically, dry AMD is one of the leading causes of blindness in elderly patients, and so far until today, non-surgical cures have been rather few. LumiThera’s Valeda system changes the paradigm by enabling the patients to access treatment that is both easy and efficient without requiring them to undergo surgery or injections.
This advancement also comes at a time when health systems are more and more adopting a strategy of care that is preventive and focused on the value provided. With the demonstrated clinical benefits and the growing acceptance, PBM therapy is likely to become a standard not only in the management of AMD, but also in a repertoire of other non communicable diseases as well.
In the course of healthcare transformation, LumiThera’s breakthrough is just a hint of how PBM will change the game not only in ophthalmology, but in many other spheres to follow.
