Treatment Considerations for Photobiomodulation for Retinal Disease

Careful patient evaluation will help identify best candidates.

By: Mohammad Bagher Rajabi, MD, Gunjan Awatramani, Alan Sherif, Gunay Uludag Kirimli, MD, Ingrid U. Scott, MD, MPH, Diana V. Do, MD

Ophthalmology Management August 24, 2026

Clinical Report: Treatment Considerations for Photobiomodulation for Retinal Disease

Overview

Photobiomodulation (PBM) has shown visual acuity benefits in patients with early-to-intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as demonstrated in the LIGHTSITE III clinical trial, which reported significant improvements in visual acuity and a slower progression to geographic atrophy in PBM-treated eyes.

Background

Photobiomodulation is a light therapy technique that targets mitochondrial proteins to promote tissue repair in retinal diseases. Its application in ophthalmology, particularly for conditions like AMD and diabetic retinopathy, is gaining attention due to its non-invasive nature. Understanding patient eligibility and treatment protocols is crucial for effective integration into clinical practice.

Data Highlights

Study	Findings
LIGHTSITE III	60% of PBM-treated patients improved ≥1 line of vision at 2 years
LIGHTSITE III	Statistically significant improvements in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA)
LIGHTSITE III	Slower rate of progression to geographic atrophy in PBM-treated eyes

Key Findings

PBM uses specific wavelengths of light (590 nm, 660 nm, 850 nm) to stimulate tissue repair.
The Valeda Light Delivery System is FDA authorized for treating early-to-intermediate nonexudative AMD.
PBM is noninvasive and typically requires 9 applications over 3 to 5 weeks.
Regular follow-up is essential to monitor treatment response and disease progression.
PBM does not replace established therapies for advanced AMD, such as antiVEGF treatments.

Clinical Implications

A thorough pretreatment assessment is necessary to determine patient eligibility for PBM, focusing on diagnosing intermediate dry AMD. Clinicians should monitor visual acuity and retinal architecture regularly to evaluate treatment efficacy.

Conclusion

Photobiomodulation has shown efficacy in improving visual outcomes for patients with early-to-intermediate dry AMD, as evidenced by the LIGHTSITE III trial. Ongoing evaluation and patient engagement are essential for treatment optimization.