Light Therapy for Dry AMD: A Promising New Option
As a retina specialist, I often hear the same concern from patients newly diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD): “Is there anything I can do to slow it down — without injections?” Until recently, treatment options were limited to lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and, in rare cases, injections with only modest results. But a new therapy is giving us reason to hope — and it doesn’t involve needles.
What Is Light Therapy (Photobiomodulation)?
Light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM), is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the retina. The goal is to boost the performance of light-sensitive cells — especially the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) — and potentially slow the progression of dry AMD.
This therapy isn’t brand new. Light has been used for years to treat other conditions like skin inflammation, joint pain, and even diabetic eye disease. Now, after years of research and international use, the FDA has authorized its use for dry AMD in the U.S., bringing a new tool into our treatment arsenal.
How Does Light Therapy Work?
Dry AMD slowly breaks down the retina's light-sensitive cells, leading to gradual loss of central vision. PBM works by:
- Delivering carefully calibrated light (red, yellow, and near-infrared) to the back of the eye
- Stimulating the RPE, which supports photoreceptor function
- Enhancing cellular energy production (ATP), which may slow cell degeneration and death
- Reducing oxidative stress and inflammation — both factors in AMD progression
The Valeda Light Delivery System
The treatment is delivered through the Valeda Light Delivery System, a device developed specifically for retinal use. It’s:
- Non-invasive and painless – no needles, incisions, or numbing drops required
- In-office – sessions last only a few minutes, usually scheduled in 3-to-5-week intervals
- FDA-authorized – based on encouraging early results in clinical trials
What Do the Clinical Results Show?
A study of 100 patients using the Valeda system showed:
- Improved vision: Patients gained an average of 5 letters on an eye chart after 13 months
- Slowed disease progression: Fewer developed geographic atrophy compared to untreated individuals
- Generally safe: Mild side effects; slightly higher rates of wet AMD were noted but need more study
These early results are promising, especially for a disease that until now had few options outside of supportive care. However, larger studies and long-term data are still needed to confirm effectiveness in broader populations.
Who Should Consider Light Therapy?
Light therapy may be most helpful for patients in the early to intermediate stages of dry AMD. It is not a cure, and not every patient will respond the same way — but it may offer a valuable opportunity to preserve vision and delay progression.
If you’ve been diagnosed with dry AMD, talk to your retina specialist. We can evaluate your individual case and determine if light therapy is a suitable option.
Key Takeaways:
- Non-invasive treatment for dry AMD using light to stimulate retinal cells
- Delivered via the FDA-authorized Valeda Light Delivery System
- Shows potential to improve vision and slow disease progression
- May require ongoing, in-clinic treatments for best results
- Still being studied to understand long-term outcomes
- Not a cure, but a promising new tool to manage early-stage dry AMD
What’s Next?
Light therapy is expected to become available in select ophthalmology clinics later this year. While insurance coverage is uncertain (due to its current FDA authorization, not full approval), many of us in the retina community see this as an exciting advance.
If you're living with dry AMD and concerned about your vision, this may be the right time to explore new possibilities. Schedule an appointment with your eye care provider to discuss whether photobiomodulation could be part of your care plan.
At Cook With Doc, we believe that what you eat can make a difference in how you see the world — literally. If you or a loved one is living with dry age-related macular degeneration, explore our collection of science-backed, delicious recipes designed to support eye health. From antioxidant-rich meals to nutrient-packed snacks, each recipe is crafted to help slow the progression of AMD while satisfying your taste buds. Browse the Cook With Doc website today and discover easy, flavorful ways to nourish your vision and promote lifelong eye wellness.
