Understanding Dry AMD
Macular degeneration affects the central vision of the eye, causing blank spots in your field of vision and distortion of straight lines. With dry AMD, the macula of the eye (the central part of the retina) loses normal function with age, and small clumps of protein called drusen begin to develop.
Dry AMD develops over the course of several years, and although it doesn’t lead to a total loss of vision, it impairs vision required for everyday life. Driving, recognising faces, and vision in low light can all be impacted.
By 2040, approximately 280 million people worldwide will be impacted by dry AMD. Although there is no cure, there is treatment, which can preserve vision for as long as possible.
How Dry AMD Treatment Works
DryAMD Clinic are proud to be at the forefront of dry AMD treatment in the UK. Utilising a technique called photobiomodulation, we can help effectively and safely address dry AMD.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a form of light therapy that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing.
It works by delivering specific wavelengths of light to tissues, which is thought to stimulate mitochondrial function and enhance energy production in cells. This increased cellular energy is used to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and improve overall cellular health.
After extensive research and testing, photobiomodulation is now being offered as a treatment option to slow or reverse the progression of macular degeneration.
As age progresses, 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 targets these mitochondrial dysfunctions effectively by stimulating ATP production and reducing oxidative stress, thus reducing the progression of macular degeneration and supporting retinal health.
Stages of Dry AMD Treatment
In each session of dry AMD treatment with DryAMD Clinic, 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.
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).
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.
Red Light (630 nm)
Significantly increases ATP production. This wavelength restores mitochondrial function, increases energy production, and inhibits inflammatory events and cell death.
Benefits of PBM for Dry AMD Treatment
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.
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.
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, PBM aids in preserving retinal integrity and slowing further degeneration.
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.
Reduction in Drusen Accumulation
Drusen, which are deposits of cellular waste beneath the retina, are a key indicator of dry AMD. PBM 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.
Dry AMD Treatment Frequency
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.
Discover Dry AMD Treatment From DryAMD Clinic
If you’re living with dry macular degeneration, get in touch with DryAMD Clinic today to book an appointment and start your treatment.
We take a proactive, patient-focused approach to each round of treatment, conducting baseline assessments and utilising only the most modern technology to target macular degeneration.
Our initial treatment cycle is eight sessions, including a baseline assessment, before moving into consistent maintenance cycles.
Book an appointment below to start your journey.
Dry AMD Treatment FAQs
Can Dry AMD Be Stopped Completely?
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.
How Often Should I Have Dry AMD Treatments?
Our dry AMD treatments involve an initial block of eight sessions, each session spaced 3-4 days apart. Once this initial treatment has been completed, you can then move onto maintenance cycles, which are 6 sessions also spaced 3-4 days apart.
Can You Lose Your Sight With Dry Macular Degeneration?
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).
How Else Can I Manage Dry AMD?
There are several lifestyle changes you can make to help manage dry AMD:
- Quitting smoking (if you smoke).
- Eating a healthy diet high in leafy greens, fish, and antioxidants.
- Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise a day.
- Using sunglasses and hats that protect your eyes from UV rays.
- Consider taking supplements that contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which help to support macular health.
How Quickly Does Dry AMD Progress?
Macular degeneration generally progresses very slowly, over a period of years. The earlier it is caught by an optician or optometrist, the better, as this gives treatment a better chance of succeeding.
Who Can Have Dry AMD Treatment?
Dry AMD treatment is suitable for anyone who has been diagnosed. PBM 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.
Can Dry Macular Degeneration Turn Into Wet?
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.