Phototherapy, also known as syntonics, has been used by optometrists since the 1920s to treat chronic headaches, stress, trauma, and concussions. It has also been used as primary or supportive treatment for certain visual dysfunctions — strabismus, amblyopia, focusing and convergence problems.
In recent years, however, new forms of light therapy have picked up steam as promising tools to treat a variety of ocular conditions.
Speaking to these developments, Roya Attar, OD, MBA, DHA told Optometry Times, “The biggest thing I’m excited about [in 2025 and beyond] is light therapy for all kinds of conditions. We started out [using it] for dry eye disease. Now it’s being approved for macular degeneration and advanced forms of it. I am so excited about that, because that’s something that we can own. We can own that space, and I can take care of those patients instead of having to speak to them [before] they have to go to a retinal specialist, wait a long time in that clinic … And we already have that established relationship.”
As we move into 2025, taking time to understand the current applications and future potential of light therapy will help you make decisions about potentially expanding your practice offerings.
Current applications of light therapy in optometry
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) and intense pulsed light (IPL) have become staples in treating conditions like meibomian gland dysfunction and dry eye disease. For many practices, LLLT is a go-to for reducing inflammation and promoting glandular health, particularly for patients with moderate to severe symptoms. The ability to treat chalazia non-invasively has made LLLT an invaluable addition to the toolbox, reducing the need for surgical interventions and improving patient satisfaction across the board.
IPL, on the other hand, has carved out its niche by targeting telangiectasia and reducing ocular surface inflammation. It’s dual impact — enhancing meibomian gland function while improving tear film stability — has earned it widespread adoption among practices managing persistent MGD cases (and dry eye more broadly). ODs integrating IPL often report increased patient satisfaction due to its visible cosmetic benefits in addition to symptom relief.
Recommended read: Evolving eye care with light therapy – Part 1: Low-level light therapy, the skin, and ocular surface care
Emerging trends and future directions
Looking ahead, the scope of light therapy in optometry is poised to expand. One of the most exciting developments is low-level red light (LLRL) therapy for myopia control. This cutting-edge approach leverages red light wavelengths to increase choroidal thickness, which early studies suggest could mitigate myopia progression in pediatric patients. For optometrists specializing in pediatric care, this represents a promising adjunct to current myopia management strategies like orthokeratology and atropine drops.
Another frontier lies in photobiomodulation (PBM) for retinal diseases. As Dr. Attar made reference to, devices like the Valeda Light Delivery System are already FDA-authorized for managing dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). By stimulating mitochondrial activity and reducing oxidative stress, photobiomodulation holds the potential to slow the progression of retinal damage in AMD and potentially other retinal conditions. As this technology evolves, it may provide a less invasive alternative to current treatments like intravitreal injections.
Recommended video: LLLT and AMD: Your Questions Answered
Integrating light therapy into your practice
For practices already offering light therapy, now is a good time to explore its broader applications. Consider adding LLRL for myopia control to your pediatric treatment offerings or implementing PBM for early AMD patients. Collaborate with colleagues; look for light therapy vendors, panels, and workshops at conferences; seek out CE; and stay abreast of peer-reviewed studies to help guide your investment decisions.
(Note: That’s a lot to keep up with, but our Optometry 411 newsletter will continue to share information on all of the above. Stay connected!).
As reimbursement structures evolve, particularly for new applications like LLRL, be mindful of coding updates and insurance policies.
And finally, we love to talk about patient education: Educating patients about your innovative, non-invasive treatment options can position your practice as a leader in advanced optometric care and make you stand out, especially in more saturated markets where it’s necessary to distinguish yourself.
