AMD Treatment with Light Therapy

Photobiomodulation offers new hope for patients with dry age-related macular degeneration — a condition that until recently had no effective treatment.

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Understanding AMD

What is age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. It affects the macula — the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision used for reading, driving, and recognizing faces.

Dry AMD accounts for approximately 85 to 90 percent of all AMD cases. It occurs when the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells beneath the macula deteriorate due to accumulated oxidative stress and metabolic waste products called drusen. As these cells lose function, the photoreceptors they support begin to fail.

For decades, the only recommendation for dry AMD was nutritional supplementation (AREDS2 vitamins) and monitoring. Now, photobiomodulation is opening a new treatment pathway supported by rigorous clinical evidence.

The Mechanism

How photobiomodulation treats dry AMD

LLLT works at the cellular level to address the underlying dysfunction that drives AMD progression.

Restores mitochondrial function

Red and near-infrared light is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in retinal cell mitochondria, restoring the ATP production that declines with age and oxidative damage.

Reduces oxidative stress

Photobiomodulation activates antioxidant defense pathways, reducing the reactive oxygen species that damage RPE cells and contribute to drusen formation.

Modulates inflammation

Chronic low-grade inflammation (para-inflammation) plays a key role in AMD. LLLT downregulates complement activation and inflammatory pathways in the retina.

The Evidence

Clinical trial results

The evidence for photobiomodulation in dry AMD comes from well-designed, peer-reviewed clinical trials.

Landmark Trial

LIGHTSITE III

Markowitz et al. — Multicenter, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled trial

The largest and most rigorous trial of photobiomodulation for dry AMD. Patients with early to intermediate dry AMD received a series of PBM treatments and were followed for 13 months.

5.9 letter gain in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 13 months in the treatment group

58% of patients gained 5+ letters — a clinically meaningful improvement threshold

Statistically significant difference between treatment and sham groups

No adverse events related to treatment in any patient

Extended Follow-Up

LightWave I

Merry et al. — 24-month follow-up study

An extended follow-up study that tracked patients who had completed photobiomodulation treatment for dry AMD over a 24-month period, providing evidence for long-term durability.

Sustained visual acuity improvement maintained over 24 months with maintenance treatments

Anatomical stability — no progression of drusen or development of geographic atrophy in treated patients

Continued safety with no treatment-related adverse events over the extended follow-up period

The Protocol

Treatment protocol

Our AMD treatment protocol follows the evidence-based approach used in the LIGHTSITE clinical trials.

Initial series

9 sessions delivered as 3 treatments per week for 3 consecutive weeks. Each session is approximately 5 minutes of light exposure per eye.

Assessment

After the initial series, we re-evaluate visual acuity, OCT imaging, and symptom response to determine the treatment effect and guide next steps.

Maintenance

Maintenance series every 4 to 6 months to sustain the treatment effect. Clinical evidence suggests that ongoing maintenance is important for durable results.

Who is a good candidate?

Diagnosed with early to intermediate dry AMD
No active wet (neovascular) AMD
No advanced geographic atrophy involving the foveal center
Able to attend 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks (initial series)
Interested in a proactive approach to managing dry AMD

Important disclosure

Photobiomodulation for AMD is an off-label application of LLLT technology. While supported by promising peer-reviewed clinical research including the LIGHTSITE III trial, it has not yet received FDA clearance specifically for AMD treatment. Dr. Ngo will discuss the current evidence, potential benefits, limitations, and what off-label means during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "off-label" mean?

Off-label means the LLLT device is FDA-cleared for other uses but has not yet received specific FDA clearance for treating AMD. Off-label use of FDA-cleared devices is common in medicine when supported by clinical evidence. The LIGHTSITE III trial provides strong evidence for this application, and several ongoing studies continue to build the evidence base. Dr. Ngo will explain this fully during your consultation.

Is the treatment safe?

Yes. Across all LIGHTSITE clinical trials and the LightWave I follow-up study, no treatment-related adverse events were reported. The light energy used is very low intensity and does not cause thermal damage to retinal tissue. The device parameters are precisely calibrated based on the wavelengths and energy densities shown to be safe and effective in clinical trials.

Will I notice a difference in my vision?

Results vary by individual. In the LIGHTSITE III trial, the average improvement was 5.9 letters on the eye chart, and 58% of treated patients gained 5 or more letters — a clinically meaningful improvement. Some patients report improved clarity, contrast sensitivity, or reduced difficulty with daily tasks. Others may experience stabilization rather than improvement, which is also a valuable outcome for a progressive condition like AMD.

Does insurance cover this treatment?

Because this is currently an off-label application, most insurance plans do not cover photobiomodulation for AMD. We offer transparent pricing and will discuss all costs during your consultation so there are no surprises. Our team can also help you explore any potential coverage options with your insurance provider.

Can I continue taking my AREDS2 vitamins?

Absolutely. LLLT is a complementary treatment, not a replacement for your current AMD management. We encourage patients to continue their AREDS2 supplementation, regular monitoring visits, and any other treatments recommended by their retinal specialist. Photobiomodulation adds a new tool to your treatment plan.

What happens during a session?

You sit comfortably in our treatment chair. A light mask or device is positioned in front of your eyes that delivers specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. Each eye receives approximately 5 minutes of light exposure. The treatment is completely painless — you may see a warm red glow and feel a gentle warmth. You can return to all normal activities immediately afterward.

Can this treat wet AMD?

The current clinical evidence supports photobiomodulation for dry AMD only. Patients with active wet (neovascular) AMD should continue with anti-VEGF injection therapy as directed by their retinal specialist. If you have wet AMD in one eye and dry AMD in the other, the dry AMD eye may be eligible for treatment. Dr. Ngo will evaluate your specific situation during your consultation.

Explore a new option for dry AMD

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