DESCRIPTION
Blue light (i.e., ClearLight™) is a high intensity lamp intended for the treatment of acne vulgaris. It emits ultraviolet free visible light in the violet-blue spectrum. The wavelengths range from 415 to 660 nanometers (nm). It is thought that the violet-blue spectrum of high-intensity light triggers the proliferation of endogenic porphyrins, which attack and destroy the acne bacteria within the skin.
POLICY
Blue light for the treatment of acne vulgaris is considered investigational.
See also: Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for the Treatment of Actinic Keratoses
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The current literature does not validate the safety and efficacy of using Blue light for acne vulgaris. The studies do not indicate improved health outcomes with Blue light compared to the results of using conventional therapies. The recent studies reveal that the Blue light did not consistently completely improve the acne lesions and the lasting effects were not determined. There is a lack of long term follow-up data from well-designed large randomized controlled studies.
SOURCES
American Academy of Dermatology Association. (2007). Guidelines of care for acne vulgaris management. Retrieved October 8, 2009 from http://www.aad.org/research/_doc/ClinicalResearch_Acne%20Vulgaris.pdf.
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Medical Policy Reference Manual. (8:2008). Dermatologic Applications of Photodynamic Therapy. (2.01.44). Retrieved October 7, 2009 from BlueWeb. (25 articles and/ or guidelines reviewed)
Hamilton, F., Car, J., Lyons, C., Car, M., Layton, A., & Majeed, A. (2009). Laser and other light therapies for the treatment of acne vulgaris: systematic review. British Journal of Dermatology, 160 (6), 1273 - 1285. (Level 1 Evidence)
Hayes. Medical Technology Directory. (2009, February). Phototherapy for acne vulgaris. Retrieved August 26, 2009 from www.Hayesinc.com/subscribers. (57 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. (2006, May). Health care guideline for patients and families: Acne management. Retrieved September 25, 2009 from http://www.icsi.org/indrex.aspx.
Morton, C. A., Scholefield, R. D., Whitehurst, C., & Birch, J. (2005). An open study to determine the efficacy of blue light in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 16 (4), 219 - 223. (Level 4 Evidence)
Nestor, M. (2007). The use of photodynamic therapy for treatment of acne vulgaris. Dermatologic Clinics, 25 (1), 47 - 57. (Level 5 Evidence)
Thiboutot, D., Gollnick, H., Bettoli, V., Dreno, B., Kang, S., Leyden, J., et al. (2009). New insights into the management of acne: an update from the Global Alliance to Improve outcomes in Acne Group. Journal of American Academy of Dermatology, 60 (5 Suppl.): S1 - 50. (Level 5 Evidence)
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2002, August). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K013623. Retrieved September 26, 2009 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf/k013623.pdf.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2005, February). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K043575. Retrieved September 26, 2009 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf4/K043575.pdf.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2005, September). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K051259. Retrieved September 26, 2009 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf5/K051259.pdf.
U. S. Food and Drug Administration. (2008. November). Center for Devices and Radiological Health. 510(k) Premarket Notification Database. K080591, Retrieved September 26, 2009 from http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/cdrh_docs/pdf8/K080591.pdf.
Yan, A. (2006). Current concepts in acne management. Adolescent Medical Clinics, 17 (3), 613 - 637. (Level 5 Evidence)
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 3/1/2004
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 11/12/2009
ID_BT
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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