Confirm it is dry AMD
Sudden changes, distortion, leakage or bleeding need urgent assessment for wet AMD rather than PBM.
Photobiomodulation
A non-invasive option for dry AMD support.
Photobiomodulation is a light-based treatment used at AMD Clinic for selected patients with dry AMD. It is designed to support retinal health without injections or surgery.
What photobiomodulation means
Photobiomodulation, often shortened to PBM, uses carefully controlled light to support retinal cells in selected people with dry AMD. It is not an injection, and it is not surgery.
In dry AMD, retinal cells can become less efficient over time. PBM is designed to deliver specific wavelengths of light to the retina, where the aim is to support cell energy, reduce stress on ageing tissue and help preserve visual function where appropriate.
It is best thought of as a specialist option for selected dry AMD patients. It does not replace OCT imaging, monitoring, lifestyle advice or careful assessment of whether wet AMD or advanced geographic atrophy is present.
The most important first step is understanding your current stage of AMD. Suitability depends on your retinal findings, your symptoms, your scan results and whether PBM is appropriate in your particular case.
Why patients ask about PBM
Many people with dry AMD are told to monitor their eyes, but they still want to know whether anything active can be done before vision changes further.
PBM is appealing because it is non-invasive and is aimed at supporting retinal function. The decision, though, should be based on specialist assessment rather than internet reading alone.
A careful review helps separate patients who may be suitable from those who need monitoring, wet AMD treatment or a different dry AMD care plan.
Who it may be suitable for
PBM is considered for selected patients with dry AMD, particularly where the aim is to support retinal function before more advanced changes develop.
- People with dry AMD who want to understand active options
- Patients whose OCT scans show findings where PBM may be relevant
- People who are not showing signs of active wet AMD
- Patients who understand that results vary and monitoring remains important
Treatment course
A planned course of light treatment
Published PBM treatment protocols commonly involve a series of short sessions rather than a single appointment. In the LIGHTSITE studies, treatment was delivered as nine sessions over around 3-5 weeks, with repeat courses at intervals.
Your specialist will explain what schedule is appropriate locally, what to expect during appointments and how your response should be monitored.
What the course involves
- OCT imaging and specialist review confirm your stage of AMD
- Light treatment is delivered in controlled, non-invasive sessions
- The treatment plan is usually a series of appointments, not a one-off visit
- Follow-up checks help guide whether further treatment is useful
Realistic expectations matter
PBM is not a cure for dry AMD. It is a supportive treatment option for selected patients, and the aim is to help retinal function and visual outcomes where the eye findings indicate that it is appropriate.
Some patients may notice benefit, while others may not. The right conversation is about suitability, safety, expected benefits, limitations and how PBM fits into your wider AMD plan.
Evidence note
The LIGHTSITE clinical trials studied multi-wavelength PBM for dry AMD and reported visual acuity benefits compared with sham treatment. Regulatory authorisation in the United States is specific to defined dry AMD criteria.
Assessment comes first
The safest way to consider PBM is to begin with a clear diagnosis, OCT imaging and a discussion about what stage of AMD you have.
Check the scan findings
OCT imaging helps show whether the retina has features where PBM may be worth discussing.
Build a practical plan
Your plan may include monitoring, lifestyle advice, AREDS-style supplements, PBM or referral for urgent treatment if needed.
Ask whether PBM may be suitable
If you have dry AMD and want to understand whether photobiomodulation belongs in your plan, start with specialist assessment and OCT imaging.