BLOG & NEWS
BLOG & NEWS
RestoRx Corneal Laser: A New Option for Macular Degeneration
Written By: Dr. Diana Nguyen
Updated: November 17, 2025
RestoRx Corneal Laser: A New Option for Macular Degeneration
Written By: Dr. Diana Nguyen
Updated: November 17, 2025
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a retinal disease that affects the central part of vision used for reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details. Approximately 2.5 million Canadians are affected by this disease and it is one of the leading causes of vision loss in individuals over the age of 55. AMD often begins without pronounced symptoms, especially in the dry form. Regular retinal imaging and vision testing help catch changes early.
There are two types of AMD, often categorized as dry AMD (more common, gradual visual loss) or wet AMD (less common, more rapid visual loss). For mild cases of dry AMD, lifestyle changes are recommended such as smoke cessation, dietary adjustments (more green, leafy vegetables) and UV protection.
The main therapy to treat wet AMD involves medical injections (anti-VEGF) to slow down the amount of abnormal blood vessel growth. Unfortunately, many patients may not know that they have AMD until the tissues have scarred over. In these late-stage AMD cases, the patient’s vision has been difficult to restore – until now.
What is RestoRx and How Does It Work?
RestoRX is an innovative corneal laser treatment for advanced AMD because unlike other treatments acting directly on the retina, RestoRx is applied to the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye. The purpose is to redirect light entering the eye about 5–10 degrees away from the center (the fovea) toward healthier retinal areas where macular cells may still function. If light lands on those healthier areas, patients may see more clearly in everyday life.
RestoRx creates four superficial laser spots in the mid-periphery of the cornea. These spots are small and don’t disrupt the epithelial layer (the outer surface) of the cornea so it is generally a safe procedure for healthy corneas.
Who is a Good Candidate?
Patients who are optimal candidates for this innovative treatment usually have moderate to advanced dry AMD, or even wet AMD when combined with other treatments (such as anti-vegF injections). Additionally, it’s best for patients to have healthy macular cells slightly outside the fovea (5-10° away), so the redirected light can land on them.
Another group of good candidates are those with near vision that is measurably better than their distance vision, using charts like Gonzalez-Markowitz (GM) charts. If their near acuity shows improvement over distance acuity by 3 or more lines, it suggests better candidacy. Lastly, individuals who have vision in the range of ~ 20/60 to 20/800 in the affected eye(s) usually are a better candidate and have improvements in their vision.
In case studies, patients reported visual acuity improvement such as seeing 20/100 to 20/70 or from 20/400 to 20/100 after just three months. Patients also notice improvements in daily, visual activities such as recognizing faces, seeing steps, putting in keys, watching TV more comfortably.
Benefits & Limitations
RestoRx is an impressive, non-invasive procedure that preserves a majority of the cornea. Additionally, there is a lower risk of infection since there is a minimal disruption to the corneal layers. Patients will have improved visual function, given that they have healthy macular cells slightly outside the fovea. These types of individuals can regain their independence and feel safer in their surroundings.
However, there are always limitations to any surgery. It’s very important to remember that this procedure is not a cure. AMD may still progress, especially wet AMD, which still commonly requires more invasive treatments like anti-vegF injections. Moreover, the improvement in a patient’s vision also depends on their brain’s ability to adapt to the redirected light (neuroadaptation).
MyMacula.ca: Bringing You Innovations in Retinal Disease Treatment
At MyMacula.ca, we keep people with macular diseases informed about the newest treatments, like RestoRx corneal laser therapy. RestoRx represents a promising, cornea-based laser option for people with macular degeneration.
By redirecting light to healthier retinal areas and preserving the corneal surface, it has shown improvements in vision and quality of life for patients meeting certain criteria. If you or someone you know has AMD, especially in its dry or intermediate stage, find a doctor provider on mymacula.ca to discuss whether RestoRx corneal laser therapy could be a possibility.
