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Photobiomodulation is now being offered at Haig-Brown Optometry as a treatment option to slow the progression of macular degeneration.
As we age the degenerative nature of AMD intensifies due to increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative stress, retinal damage, and atrophy.
Mitochondria, as the main internal source of ROS and key regulators of oxidative pathways, play a central role in this process.
Photobiomodulation using Low Level Light therapy targets these mitochondrial dysfunctions effectively by stimulating ATP production and reducing oxidative stress, thus reducing the progression of macular degeneration and supporting retinal health.
In each session of dry AMD treatment there are two phases:
Phase 1: Yellow Light Therapy
Involves wearing the Light Modulation Low Level Light Therapy (LM® LLLT) yellow mask for 6 minutes, during which the patient experiences 5 minutes of continuous light exposure with their eyes closed, followed by 1 minute of pulsed light with their eyes open.
Yellow Light (590 nm): Naturally inhibits expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein that stimulates the formation of blood vessels contributing to WET AMD. It also reduces oxidative stress and increases local oxygen delivery.
Yellow light boosts the production of nitric oxide, which protects cells from damage and improves oxygen delivery. When absorbed, it helps release nitric oxide from the mitochondria, allowing the cell's energy factories to work better and produce more ATP.
Phase 2: Red Light Therapy
Entails wearing a red mask for 6 minutes, with the same pattern of light exposure: 5 minutes continuous with eyes closed, and 1 minute pulsed with eyes open.
LLM® LLLT technology involves targeted use of selected wavelengths of visible light to near-infrared light (500–1000 nm).
Red Light (630 nm): Significantly increases ATP production. This wavelength restores mitochondrial function, increases energy production, and inhibits inflammatory events and cell death.
There are a wide range of benefits Photobiomodulation brings to Dry AMD treatment:
The device we use emits light at targeted wavelengths—red, yellow, and near-infrared—that penetrate the retinal tissues.
These wavelengths are absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, which are particularly abundant in retinal cells. This absorption boosts the mitochondria’s capacity to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s primary energy source.
1. Stimulation of Mitochondrial Activity
The device we use emits light at targeted wavelengths—red, yellow, and near-infrared—that penetrate the retinal tissues.
These wavelengths are absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures in cells, which are particularly abundant in retinal cells. This absorption boosts the mitochondria’s capacity to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the cell’s primary energy source.
2. Reduction of Oxidative Stress
By increasing ATP production, cells become more efficient in combating free radicals—unstable molecules that cause oxidative stress and contribute to cell damage, a critical factor in the development of AMD.
Photobiomodulation promotes the cells’ ability to generate antioxidants, which helps protect against further oxidative stress and cellular damage.
3. Cellular Repairs
PBM stimulates cellular repair processes, helping damaged cells recover and function more efficiently. This is vital for preserving the health of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and photoreceptors, both critical for maintaining vision.
By supporting the health and performance of RPE cells, Photobiomodulation aids in preserving retinal integrity and slowing further degeneration.
4. Anti-inflammatory Effects
Light therapy works to decrease inflammation in the retinal tissues. Persistent inflammation is a key factor in the advancement of AMD, causing further tissue damage and cell loss.
5. Reduction in Drusen Accumulation
Drusen, which are deposits of cellular waste beneath the retina, are a key indicator of dry AMD. Photobiomodulation supports the removal of these deposits, helping to preserve retinal health.
The therapy also plays a role in preventing the formation of additional drusen, slowing the progression of the disease.
Initial treatment for macular degeneration involves 8 sessions which are 3-4 days apart. After 4-6 months a maintenance cycle can be performed consisting of 6 sessions, also spaced 3-4 days apart.
Continuous treatment ensures the retina is consistently exposed to red and yellow light, stimulating the cells and promoting cellular repair.
Please Note: The treatment room is on the first floor, which will involve a flight of stairs. If you have mobility issues, please speak to a member of staff prior to booking.
Once the initial phase is complete. You can move on to maintenance cycles beginning within 4-6 months of the first treatment, these cycles are 6 sessions also spaced 3-4 days apart and repeated every 4-6 months.
Unfortunately, there is no way to completely halt the progression of dry AMD. However, dry AMD treatment that utilises Photobiomodulation can slow the progress of degeneration, preserving eyesight as much as possible.
You can lose most of your central sight with dry AMD. AMD affects the central field of vision, so people lose their vision directly ahead of them, while maintaining peripheral vision (vision around the edges of the sight).
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help manage dry AMD:
Macular degeneration generally progresses very slowly, over a period of years. The earlier it is detected by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, the better, as this gives treatment a better chance of succeeding.
Dry AMD treatment is suitable for anyone who has been diagnosed. Photobiomodulation treatment is non-invasive and has been extensively researched to ensure it is totally safe, so no matter the stage your macular degeneration is at, you can benefit.
However, it is important to note that any damage already done to the macula can’t be undone. The sooner you catch and begin to treat AMD, the better.
Contraindications include:
A full clinical assessment will be conducted to determine if you are a suitable candidate.
*If you are unsure, please consult your Optometrist or the medical practitioner who prescribed the drugs.
Yes, wet AMD is the last stage of dry AMD. However, not everyone who has dry AMD will get wet AMD - only around 10-15% of people will develop wet AMD.
If you have any questions about your treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you every step of the way.