A Guide To New Macular Degeneration Treatment

Living with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be deeply unsettling, especially when you're told there's little that can be done. As central vision slowly fades, everyday tasks like reading, recognising faces, or watching television become increasingly difficult. But new hope is emerging for those diagnosed with this common eye condition.

One of the most promising advances is photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive light-based therapy that aims to protect and revitalise the delicate cells of the retina. Backed by clinical research and offered at specialist clinics like Dry AMD Clinic, PBM is helping people with early and intermediate dry AMD to preserve vision and slow progression.

In this guide, we’ll explain what macular degeneration is, how PBM works, and what this new macular degeneration treatment involves.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a progressive eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed central vision. It is the leading cause of sight loss in people over 50 in the UK.

There are two main forms:

Dry AMD (Age-related Macular Degeneration)

This is the most common type of AMD, accounting for about 85-90% of cases. It develops gradually as cells in the macula break down and drusen (yellow deposits of waste material) accumulate.

Wet AMD

A less common but more aggressive form of macular degeneration, caused by abnormal blood vessels leaking fluid or blood into the retina. Wet AMD develops from dry AMD, accounting for around 10-15% of macular degeneration cases.


Dry AMD progresses slowly but can significantly impact reading, driving, and recognising faces. Although it doesn’t cause total blindness, it can lead to severe central vision loss over time.

Dry AMD Treatment

Historically, there has been no treatment available for Dry AMD beyond lifestyle modifications and nutritional supplements. However, new macular degeneration treatments, including photobiomodulation therapy, are offering hope by targeting the disease at a cellular level.

What Is Photobiomodulation?

Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light - typically yellow (590 nm) and red (630 nm) - to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation in the retinal cells. It works by enhancing mitochondrial function, improving energy production (ATP), and reducing oxidative stress.

The treatment involves wearing specially designed light masks over the eyes for short sessions in-clinic. This light is absorbed by retinal cells and triggers biological responses that help protect and repair the macula.

How PBM Works for Dry AMD

Photobiomodulation supports vision by:

  • Boosting energy production in retinal cells, particularly the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE)

  • Reducing inflammation and oxidative stress

  • Slowing drusen buildup and stabilising visual function

  • Delaying progression to more advanced stages, including geographic atrophy


At Dry AMD Clinic, patients receive an initial course of eight PBM sessions, followed by maintenance treatments every four to six months to help sustain benefits.

What to Expect from Treatment

A typical PBM course at the Dry AMD Clinic involves:

  • Assessment: Including OCT imaging and vision tests to assess the current status of macular degeneration.

  • Eight treatment sessions using alternating light masks (yellow and red).

  • Maintenance sessions every 4–6 months.

The treatment is painless, non-invasive, and suitable for most people with early or intermediate Dry AMD. Results may vary, but many patients report stabilisation or slight improvement in vision. Any damage that has already been done to the macula cannot be undone, so catching and treating AMD as soon as possible is vital. 

Who Is Macular Degeneration Treatment For?

PBM is best suited for patients with:

  • Early or intermediate dry macular degeneration.

  • No signs of advanced geographic atrophy.

  • No contraindications to light therapy (e.g. photosensitive conditions).

Those with more advanced disease may benefit from other interventions, but PBM offers an excellent option for slowing progression in earlier stages.

Combining PBM with Strategies

PBM works well alongside other management strategies:

  • AREDS2 supplements

  • Healthy lifestyle changes like quitting smoking and improving diet

  • Regular eye exams and OCT monitoring

  • Low-vision support for those with advanced loss

It’s part of a holistic approach that addresses both disease progression and daily visual function.

Macular Degeneration Treatment At Dry AMD Clinic

Living with dry AMD can be frustrating, especially when it begins to affect your daily life. Thankfully, treatments like photobiomodulation offer real options to preserve vision and protect the retina at a cellular level.

If you're living with dry AMD, book your assessment with a Dry AMD Clinic to explore whether PBM might be right for you. Our experts have a wealth of clinical experience and are involved in pioneering research into PBM treatment, having been involved in the groundbreaking Lightwave Clinical Trial in 2024.

Book your appointment today here, or get in touch for more information. 

 

Leave a comment