Low Level Light Therapy

Photobiomodulation technology that stimulates healing at the cellular level — for dry eye, and now showing remarkable promise for age-related macular degeneration.

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The Science

How LLLT works

Low Level Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate biological processes within your cells. The light energy is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondria, boosting ATP production — the energy currency that drives cellular repair and regeneration.

This technology has its roots in NASA research, where scientists discovered that specific light wavelengths could accelerate wound healing in astronauts. Today, photobiomodulation is used across medicine — and its applications in eye care are among the most promising.

LLLT reduces oxidative stress, decreases inflammation, and improves local blood circulation. For eye care, this creates the ideal conditions for tissue healing — whether in the meibomian glands of the eyelids or the retinal cells affected by macular degeneration.

Application 1

LLLT for dry eye disease

As the third pillar of our Dry Eye Trifecta, LLLT accelerates healing and extends the benefits of IPL and MiBo Thermoflo.

Boosts cellular energy

Increases ATP production in meibomian gland cells, giving them the energy they need to function properly and produce healthy oils.

Reduces inflammation

Modulates inflammatory pathways and reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, extending and reinforcing the anti-inflammatory effects of IPL.

Improves circulation

Enhances blood flow to the eyelid tissue, delivering more nutrients and oxygen to healing glands and improving overall gland health.

Application 2

LLLT for age-related macular degeneration

One of the most exciting developments in eye care is the use of photobiomodulation to treat dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Until recently, there were no effective treatments for this leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50.

LLLT delivers specific wavelengths of light that penetrate to the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptor cells. The light energy stimulates mitochondrial function in these cells, reducing the oxidative stress and inflammation that drive AMD progression.

Clinical trials have shown measurable improvement in visual acuity for patients with early to intermediate dry AMD. This is a groundbreaking development for a condition that has historically had no treatment options beyond nutritional supplementation.

Learn more about AMD treatment

LIGHTSITE III trial highlights

5.9 letter gain in visual acuity

Treatment group showed a mean improvement of 5.9 letters on the ETDRS chart at 13 months.

58% gained 5+ letters

More than half of treated patients gained a clinically meaningful improvement in visual acuity.

Excellent safety profile

No treatment-related adverse events reported in any of the LIGHTSITE clinical trials.

The Evidence

Clinical research

LLLT for eye care is supported by a growing body of peer-reviewed research spanning both dry eye and macular degeneration.

Dry Eye

Stonecipher et al. (2019) — Clinical Ophthalmology

Retrospective study of 460 eyes showing combined LLLT+IPL produced statistically significant improvement in MGD grade, OSDI scores, and tear breakup time in patients unresponsive to prior treatment.

Dry Eye

Markoulli et al. (2021) — Clinical & Experimental Optometry

Review demonstrating that photobiomodulation promotes tissue repair, decreases periocular inflammation, and improves meibomian gland function in patients with dry eye disease caused by MGD.

AMD

LIGHTSITE III — Markowitz et al. (2024) — Retina

Multicenter, randomized, double-masked, sham-controlled trial showing significant improvement in visual acuity and 58% of treated patients gaining 5 or more ETDRS letters at 13 months using the LumiThera Valeda system.

AMD

LIGHTSITE II — Parodi et al. (2023) — Ophthalmology & Therapy

Randomized multicenter trial confirming multiwavelength photobiomodulation improves visual acuity and slows progression in non-exudative dry AMD, with a strong safety profile across all treatment groups.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is LLLT the same as laser treatment?

No. LLLT uses low-energy light-emitting diodes (LEDs), not surgical lasers. The light is gentle and does not cut, burn, or damage tissue. It works by stimulating natural cellular processes rather than ablating tissue. There is no pain and no risk of thermal damage.

How long does a session take?

A typical LLLT session takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You simply sit comfortably while the light mask is positioned over your eyes. Many patients find it relaxing. When combined with IPL and MiBo as part of the Dry Eye Trifecta, the complete visit is approximately 30 to 45 minutes.

Can LLLT help with macular degeneration?

Yes, and this is one of the most exciting developments in eye care. Clinical trials including the LIGHTSITE III study have shown that photobiomodulation can improve visual acuity in patients with early to intermediate dry AMD. While this is currently an off-label application of LLLT technology, the clinical evidence is promising. Learn more about our AMD treatment program.

Are there any side effects?

LLLT has an excellent safety profile. Clinical trials have reported no treatment-related adverse events. The light energy used is very low and does not cause thermal damage or discomfort. Some patients experience a mild warming sensation during treatment, which is normal and expected.

How is LLLT different from IPL?

IPL and LLLT use light energy differently. IPL delivers high-intensity broad-spectrum pulses that target blood vessels and inflammation. LLLT uses low-energy, specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate cellular energy production and healing. They complement each other — IPL addresses the inflammatory disease process, while LLLT accelerates cellular repair and regeneration.

What is the connection to NASA?

NASA funded early research into light therapy in the 1990s to find ways to help astronauts heal faster in space, where reduced gravity slows wound healing. Researchers discovered that specific wavelengths of LED light could significantly accelerate tissue repair. This foundational research led to the development of photobiomodulation therapy used in medicine today, including the eye care applications we offer.

Discover what light therapy can do for your eyes

Schedule a consultation to learn if LLLT is right for your dry eye or macular degeneration.

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