Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is an eye condition that impairs central vision by damaging the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision and the ability to see fine details. This type of vision is used when looking at faces, reading text, or driving. Dry AMD is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults over the age of 55.
Small yellow deposits called drusen begin to form under the retina. There is typically no vision change.
As drusen accumulate, they can interfere with the function of the retinal cells and lead to thinning and atrophy of macular tissue. Larger drusen and/or pigment changes appear, and some vision changes may be noticeable.
Retinal cells deteriorate, leading to geographic atrophy; notable vision loss is possible at this stage.
Valeda from LumiThera is a revolutionary first and only FDA-approved new treatment device for dry AMD that uses gentle, targeted light to help prevent progression and improve vision in dry AMD.
This medical device utilizes photobiomodulation (PBM), specifically targeting the red, amber, and near-infrared wavelengths of light. PBM therapy produces mitochondrial stimulation in retinal cells. This helps your retinal cells increase their energy production and stay healthier for longer.
Although there is no cure for dry AMD, early treatment remains crucial. Valeda therapy has been shown to slow the progression of the disease and can even enhance your vision, improving your quality of life.
VALEDA is indicated for use in the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients, especially those experiencing mild-moderate vision impairment. Individuals receiving this treatment should have already been diagnosed with dry AMD by a retinal specialist. The stage of dry AMD may impact the benefits of the treatment.
Valeda is intended for individuals with early to intermediate dry AMD, typically those with mild to moderate vision loss (e.g., 20/32 to 20/70), and who have drusen (yellow deposits) or non-central geographic atrophy.
Valeda is not intended for patients with Wet AMD (those receiving eye injections).
Our retinal specialist, Dr Svetlana Pilyugina, will help you determine if you are a good candidate for this treatment during your consultation.
What is the VALEDA treatment like?
Clinical trials have shown improvements in visual function after treatment three times a week for 3-4 weeks. This is the recommended treatment protocol for patients with Dry AMD.
In a recent clinical study, patients received no more than three treatments per week and no more than one treatment within a 24-hour period. If you miss a treatment, it is recommended that you make up the session within the 3–4 week period of the treatment series.
Not really. If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you will be asked to remove them before your treatment. Your eyes will not be dilated.
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a low-level, light-based therapy that enhances cell function. PBM treatment has been used in many different diseases and disorders for decades and has a positive safety profile.
In clinical trials in dry AMD patients, the use of light therapy has also been shown to be safe. VALEDA is designed to be eye safe. There have been no treatment-related side effects noted in previous studies with the VALEDA. Over 800,000 treatments have been administered worldwide to date with no reported side effects.
It is well known that looking at bright light can produce an afterimage. Another name for this is photobleaching, where the cells that “see” that specific color become fatigued.
For example, if you look at a red light, those colors may fade after treatment, and you will see more of the opposite color (i.e., green). This phenomenon is typically observed immediately following treatment and normally resolves within a couple of minutes.
You can resume normal activities immediately after this non-invasive treatment.
Valeda clinical trials (the LIGHTSITE III study) showed very promising results: patients experienced improvements in vision (gaining letters on an eye chart) and slower disease progression compared to those who received a sham treatment (the doctor goes through the motions but does not actually perform the treatment).
The treatment has shown a strong safety profile, with no serious side effects reported during the trials.
FDA authorization came in November 2024, marking it as a significant milestone: the first non-invasive, light-based therapy approved for dry AMD.
Have you or someone in your life been wondering whether there’s anything new to offer patients with dry macular degeneration? Or have you felt that you had no real treatment option for your Dry AMD? Now, there is new hope.
Valeda, a light therapy approach that’s safe, non-invasive, and shown to slow vision loss (and even improve vision in some cases for people with early or intermediate dry AMD), is now available at AGEI.
Although it’s not a cure, it offers hope, slows disease progression, and increases the likelihood of preserving vision for a longer period. Please schedule a consultation with our Stanford-trained Retinal Specialist, ophthalmologist Dr. Svetlana Pilyugina, to see if you might be a candidate.
Please call (866) 945-2745 or request your appointment online to schedule a consultation with our ophthalmology retinal specialist, so we can determine if Valeda is right for you.
Yes. Patients can receive the VALEDA treatment regardless of whether they have cataracts.
This depends on factors such as the stage of your disease at the start of treatment, individual disease progression, your adherence to the treatment protocol, and whether you come for the recommended maintenance treatment sessions.
As this treatment has relatively recent FDA approval, there is a possibility that your Medicare or private insurance may decline coverage. In such cases, you may need to pay out of pocket or explore financing options