An Introduction to PBM (Light) Therapy for Dry Macular Degeneration

By: Jarrod Long, OD, FIALVS- Midwest Low Vision and the Macular Health Center

Photobiomodulation, often called PBM, is a light-based treatment being studied and used in our office and others for selected patients with early to intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration. PBM uses specific wavelengths of light applied to the eye in a controlled clinical setting. The goal is not to replace regular eye care, vitamins, monitoring, injections for wet AMD, or low vision rehabilitation. Rather, PBM is one possible additional tool that our office uses for certain patients with dry AMD who still have usable vision and want to explore available treatment options.

The interest in PBM has grown because clinical studies, including the LIGHTSITE III trial, reported encouraging functional and anatomical findings in intermediate dry AMD. That said, patients should understand the limits of the evidence. PBM is not a cure for macular degeneration, it does not guarantee vision improvement, and it is not appropriate for every patient. A proper evaluation is needed to determine AMD stage, rule out other causes of vision loss, review OCT and retinal findings, and decide whether treatment is reasonable.

For patients and families, your question may be: “Should I ask my eye doctor about this?” For someone with dry AMD, the answer is yes. The discussion should include the stage of AMD, current vision, risk of progression, AREDS2 vitamins, lifestyle factors, monitoring for wet AMD, and whether PBM is available and appropriate. Finally, even when medical treatment is being considered, low vision care remains essential because special glasses, magnification, lighting, contrast, and technology can often improve daily function right now.