Paul Vision Institute adds light therapy for dry macular degeneration

Paul Vision Institute in Wilmington, North Carolina, is offering photobiomodulation, a non-surgical light therapy for patients with dry age-related macular degeneration. The practice says the in-office treatment is meant to support retinal function, with the goal of preserving useful vision and expanding options beyond vitamins and monitoring.

Why it matters: - Dry age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of significant vision loss in adults over 50. - The condition can affect reading, recognizing faces, driving and everyday independence. - Paul Vision Institute is adding a non-invasive treatment option for patients who have had limited choices beyond supplementation and monitoring.

What happened: - Paul Vision Institute in Wilmington, North Carolina, is offering photobiomodulation therapy for dry AMD. - The treatment uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light directed toward the retina. - The therapy is designed to support retinal cellular function and potentially improve visual performance. - Founder Edward L. Paul, Jr., OD, PhD, FIALVS, said the goal is to preserve useful vision, improve visual function when possible and help patients remain independent and active.

The details: - Photobiomodulation is a non-invasive, office-based therapy that requires no recovery time. - The light is intended to stimulate mitochondria, the energy-producing structures within cells. - Research suggests the therapy may enhance cellular energy production and reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. - Published studies have reported improvements in visual acuity and other measures of visual function in appropriately selected patients. - Paul Vision Institute evaluates patients first to determine whether they are appropriate candidates. - The treatment protocol includes nine in-office sessions over three weeks, with three treatments per week. - Each session is brief, and patients can return to normal activities immediately afterward. - Visual function is monitored throughout treatment to track each patient’s response. - The practice says PBM is not a cure and is not meant to replace appropriate retinal care. - Paul Vision Institute also provides low vision rehabilitation, including prescription lenses, telescopic and microscopic optical systems, electronic magnification and other technologies. - The practice says combining emerging therapies with rehabilitation can help patients who no longer get enough benefit from conventional glasses or medical treatment.

Between the lines: - PBM gives the practice a way to position dry AMD care beyond the traditional mix of vitamins, lifestyle changes and watchful waiting. - The emphasis on rehabilitation suggests the biggest value may be in helping patients use remaining vision more effectively, even when disease cannot be reversed. - The announcement reflects growing interest in treatments that aim to support retinal function before patients reach more advanced vision loss.

What's next: - Patients with dry macular degeneration can contact Paul Vision Institute to schedule an evaluation. - The practice will use that evaluation to decide whether PBM is appropriate for each patient. - Ongoing monitoring will help determine how patients respond over the treatment course. - More information