Purpose. The objective of this study is to examine long-term effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with autosomal dominant cone-rod dystrophy (CRDs). Methods. LLLT, a He-Ne Laser with continuous emission at 633 nm (01 mW/cm2) was used in five patients autosomal dominant pedigree of Romani origin with non syndromic CRDs. Laser radiation was applied transpupillary for 6 times for 3 min once in two days to the macula. The research was implemented for a period of three years. Clinical evaluation included best corrected visual acuity determination, funduscopy, Humphrey perimetry, Farnsworth Hue-28 color testing, fluoresce in angiography, and full-field electroretinogram (ERG). Results. All affected individuals presented reduced visual acuity (0.01 - 0.4) and photophobia with slightly variable. Funduscopic examination and fluorescein angiography revealed advanced changes including bone spicule-like pigment deposits in the midperiphery and macular area along with retinal atrophy, narrowing of the vessels, and waxy optic discs. Visual fields demonstrated central scotoma. Electrophysiologic examination of the patients detected an abnormal cone-rod ERG (20- 30μV) with photopic amplitudes more markedly reduced than the scotopic. Flicker responses were missing and Farnsworth Hue-28 test found protanopia. There was a statistically significant increase in visual acuity (p<0.001, end of study versus baseline). For CRDs patients for the period of 3 years after the treatment with LLLT. Central absolute scotoma in CRDs was reduced after LLLT. The prevalence of metamorphopsia in CRDs was reduced after LLLT. Conclusion. This study shows that LLLT may be a novel long-lasting therapeutic option for both forms of CRDs . This is highly effective treatment that improves visual acuity for a long time
