Photobiomodulation Now Available at Retina Consultants San Diego

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Photobiomodulation for Early to Intermediate Dry AMD: Now Available in San Diego at Retina Consultants San Diego

For years, if you've been diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you've likely heard the same advice at every appointment: take your vitamins, eat leafy greens, protect your eyes from sunlight, and come back in six months. While monitoring your condition is important, we understand how frustrating it can be to feel like there's nothing more that can be done as your vision gradually changes.

That's why we're excited to share some genuinely good news.

A New Treatment Option for Dry AMD

Retina Consultants San Diego is proud to be the first practice in San Diego to offer photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration using the FDA-authorized Valeda Light Delivery System.

For some time now, we've known that patients in our community have been traveling to Los Angeles to receive this treatment. After watching the impressive clinical trial results develop over the past few years and seeing FDA authorization granted in 2025, we knew it was time to bring this innovative therapy home to San Diego. You deserve access to advanced treatment options right here in your own backyard.

What Is Photobiomodulation?

Think of PBM as a way to "recharge" the cells in your retina that are struggling due to AMD. The treatment uses specific wavelengths of light—yellow, red, and near-infrared—that penetrate your retina and stimulate the power centers (mitochondria) of your retinal cells. This helps restore energy production in the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium cells that AMD has compromised.

The best part? It's completely noninvasive. You simply sit comfortably while the treatment is delivered for a few minutes, then you're free to go about your day immediately afterward. No injections, no surgery, no recovery time.

Does It Work?

The evidence is compelling. The pivotal LIGHTSITE III clinical trial followed 100 patients for two years and found that those who received PBM treatment gained an average of nearly 6 letters of vision compared to those who received sham treatment. To put that in perspective:

• Over 65% of treated eyes improved by more than one line on the eye chart
• 25% gained two or more lines
• More than 15% gained three or more lines
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  But the vision improvements are just part of the story. Studies have shown that PBM can reduce drusen (the yellow deposits under your retina), improve your retina's sensitivity to light, and most importantly, may help slow progression to more advanced stages of AMD like geographic atrophy.

  Is It Safe?

  Safety is always our top priority. PBM has demonstrated an excellent safety profile in multiple clinical trials. In the main study, side effects occurred at similar rates in both the treatment and placebo groups, and importantly, zero serious adverse events were related to the treatment itself. There were no signs of damage to the retina from the light therapy, and no effects on color vision.

  Who Is a Good Candidate?

PBM therapy works best for people with early to intermediate dry AMD who:

• Have vision between about 20/32 and 20/70
• Have significant drusen (yellow deposits) in their retinas
• Have AMD in both eyes
• Are experiencing symptoms that affect daily life, like difficulty reading, driving, recognizing faces, or seeing in low light
• Do NOT have geographic atrophy (advanced cell loss) in the center of their vision

If you're someone who has been asking your eye doctor "Isn't there something more we can do?" at every appointment, you might be an excellent candidate for this treatment.

What to Expect

The Valeda treatment protocol involves nine short sessions spread over 3 to 5 weeks. Each session takes just a few minutes. To maintain the benefits, you'll repeat this treatment series every four months.

Here's an important point: PBM requires ongoing maintenance to keep working. Research shows that the improvements can fade if you stop treatment at six months. Think of it like going to the gym—you need to keep it up to maintain the benefits. The good news is that sticking with the four-month retreatment schedule helps preserve your vision gains and continue slowing disease progression.

What is the Cost?

PBM therapy is currently not covered by insurance and costs approximately $2,500 per treatment series for both eyes. We understand this is a significant investment. However, for many people who are watching their vision slowly decline with no other options available, the potential to improve vision and slow disease progression is worth considering.

Is This Right for You?

PBM isn't the answer for everyone with dry AMD, but for those with early to intermediate disease who are experiencing symptoms and want to be proactive about protecting their vision, it offers the first real treatment option before irreversible vision loss occurs.
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If you've been diagnosed with dry AMD and are interested in learning whether photobiomodulation might be right for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with us. We'll carefully evaluate your eyes, discuss your symptoms and goals, and help you determine if this treatment could benefit you.

Taking Control of Your Vision Health

For too long, dry AMD patients have felt powerless, simply watching and waiting as their vision changes. Now, there's finally something meaningful we can offer beyond vitamins and monitoring. As the first practice in San Diego to bring this FDA-authorized treatment to our community, we're excited to help you explore this new option.

Your vision matters. Your quality of life matters. And now, you have more choices than ever before.