Red Light Therapy for Dry AMD: What to Expect and Are You a Candidate?
At Retina Consultants of South Carolina, we are committed to bringing advanced retinal treatments to the communities we serve and helping our patients understand the options available for protecting their vision.
For many patients diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), treatment options have historically been limited. Today, a newer treatment option called Red Light Therapy, or photobiomodulation (PBM), is available for patients with intermediate dry AMD.
Retina Consultants of South Carolina is pleased to offer this FDA-authorized treatment as one of the few practices in the Southeast currently providing Red Light Therapy for dry AMD.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dry AMD, you may be wondering what Red Light Therapy is, what a course of treatment looks like, and whether you may be a candidate. Here’s what you should know.
What Is Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive treatment that uses gentle, low-intensity light to stimulate the retina’s natural healing processes. Unlike treatments commonly associated with other retinal conditions, Red Light Therapy does not involve injections or surgery, and there are no major complications associated with treatment.
The therapy has been studied specifically in patients with intermediate dry AMD. The LIGHTSITE III clinical trial demonstrated statistically significant improvement in best-corrected visual acuity at 13 months, supporting photobiomodulation as a treatment option for patients who meet the treatment criteria.
What Does a Course of Treatment Look Like?
A treatment course consists of 9 short sessions completed over approximately 3 to 5 weeks, with each session lasting less than 10 minutes. There are no injections, no dilation required for treatment, and no downtime afterward.
Depending on your individual condition and your retina specialist’s recommendations, treatment may be repeated up to 3 times per year for ongoing benefit.
A typical treatment process may include:
- Evaluation – Your retina specialist evaluates your eyes and determines whether your type and stage of dry AMD meet the criteria for Red Light Therapy.
- Treatment Course – 9 brief Red Light Therapy sessions are scheduled over approximately 3 to 5 weeks.
- Follow-Up – Your retinal health and vision are monitored by your care team.
- Additional Treatment – Based on your individual needs, your retina specialist will determine whether additional treatment courses are recommended.
Are You a Candidate for Red Light Therapy?
Red Light Therapy is designed for patients with intermediate dry AMD, so determining the type and stage of your AMD is an important part of the evaluation process.
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have been diagnosed with intermediate dry AMD
- Have some central vision blur but retain functional vision
- Are looking for a treatment option beyond supplementation alone
Your retina specialist can evaluate your individual condition and determine whether you meet the treatment criteria.
How Do I Get Evaluated?
If you are already a patient at Retina Consultants of South Carolina and have been diagnosed with dry AMD, talk with your care team about Red Light Therapy and whether you may be a candidate.
If you have been diagnosed with dry AMD but have not been evaluated for Red Light Therapy, you can schedule a consultation with one of our retina specialists. Your physician can evaluate your condition and discuss whether this treatment may be an option for you.
Ready to Learn if Red Light Therapy Is Right for You?
Give us a call at (843) 763-4466 today to schedule an evaluation!
