A New Approach to Supporting Retinal Health

San Carlos Eye Care offers photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for appropriate patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in San Carlos and the San Francisco Bay Area. This gentle, noninvasive treatment uses specific wavelengths of light to support retinal cell health and function.

Want to learn more about macular degeneration? Visit our Macular Degeneration Guide to learn about dry vs. wet AMD, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment options, and ways to protect your vision.

Retinal cells have high energy demands and rely heavily on mitochondria, the structures within cells responsible for producing energy. In dry AMD, mitochondrial dysfunction and increased oxidative stress may contribute to declining retinal cell health.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses selected wavelengths of yellow, red, and near-infrared light, with each wavelength interacting with tissue in different ways:

• Yellow light supports cellular signaling and may increase nitric oxide availability, helping support healthy blood flow and circulation.

• Red light is absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores, including cytochrome c oxidase (CCO), helping support mitochondrial activity and the production of ATP, or cellular energy.

• Near-infrared light penetrates more deeply into tissue and influences mitochondrial and cellular signaling pathways that may support energy production, reduce oxidative stress, and regulate inflammation.

Together, these cellular effects may help retinal cells function more efficiently and support retinal health.

Photobiomodulation for dry AMD has been evaluated in multiple peer-reviewed clinical studies. Research has reported improvements in certain measures of visual function and retinal anatomy in appropriately selected patients.