Polarized Light Therapy in the Treatment of Wounds: A Review

Int J Low Extrem Wounds. 2022 Jul 14:15347346221113991. doi: 10.1177/15347346221113991. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

The most prevalent type of photo therapies are low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and ultraviolet (UV) treatments, which are distinguished by the physical properties of the light employed. However, in latest years, it has been suggested that polarization and an extensive light band including all light spectra are essential aspects in light treatment. Light waves are filtered to align and vibrate in a single plane, resulting in polarized light (PL). Light that has been polarized can penetrate tissues more deeply than light that has not been polarized. The visible light spectrum is very broad. PL varies from other types of light therapy in that it uses a considerably wider spectrum of wavelengths than LLLT or UV. As a result, PLT devices are often less expensive and simple to operate. Since the late 1960s, light therapy has been used to treat anything from neonatal jaundice to psoriasis and vitiligo. Fenyö created a PL source and found that it can stimulate wound healing in a similar way to the low-energy laser. In comparison to the laser, this source of light had numerous gains: lesser prices, fewer hazards, a greater area to be treated, and no sophisticated user expertise. Despite several findings from fundamental research (in vitro, in vivo, and animal trials), practitioners continue to have reservations regarding PL's potency and utility in treating musculoskeletal problems. It is even largely believed that the commercial use of these therapies is validated by a sufficient amount of scientific evidence based on reliable clinical papers. The major goal of this study is to gather information on the use of PL for treatment of various wound types in animal and human investigations.

Keywords: burn; polarized light; ulcers; wound healing.