Valeda Photobiomodulation for Dry Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss among adults over 60 in the United States, and the dry form accounts for the majority of all AMD cases. For years, patients diagnosed with dry AMD had limited options for treatment, but that changed with the Valeda Light Delivery System. Developed by LumiThera, Valeda is the first FDA-authorized treatment specifically designed to improve and preserve vision in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration.
How Does Valeda Work?
Valeda uses photobiomodulation (PBM), a process that delivers specific wavelengths of light to the retina to stimulate cellular activity and support tissue repair. Rather than simply managing symptoms, the treatment is designed to address what’s happening at the cellular level in dry AMD.
In dry macular degeneration, the light-sensitive cells in the macula gradually break down, and blood flow to the back of the eye becomes restricted. Studies have shown that Valeda’s calibrated light therapy can improve choroidal circulation, the layer of blood vessels that supplies the retina with oxygen and nutrients. This enhanced blood flow supports the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and helps nourish the photoreceptor cells responsible for sharp, central vision.
Research also suggests that photobiomodulation may promote photoreceptor survival and support cellular regeneration, helping slow or prevent further vision loss. Some patients have experienced improvements in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and color vision after completing treatment.
Benefits of Valeda Therapy
Valeda offers several potential benefits for patients with dry AMD:
- Vision preservation: The primary goal of Valeda is to slow disease progression and help maintain the vision you have now, allowing you to continue activities like reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
- Potential vision improvement: Some patients have experienced up to three lines of improvement on a standard eye chart. Individual results vary, but Valeda offers a real possibility of regaining some lost visual function.
- Improved retinal blood flow: By enhancing circulation to the back of the eye, Valeda supports the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells that matter most for clear, central vision.
- Cellular health support: The light therapy helps protect photoreceptors and the supporting cells that keep them healthy, potentially slowing the cellular breakdown that drives dry AMD progression.
What to Expect During Treatment
One of the most appealing aspects of Valeda is how straightforward the treatment process is. Patients sit comfortably in front of the Valeda device while specific wavelengths of light are delivered to the retina. The procedure is painless and takes only a few minutes per session.
A typical treatment course consists of nine sessions per eye, completed over three to five weeks. The entire process is performed in-office at EyeSight Hawaii, and because the treatment is non-invasive, there is no recovery time. Patients can return to their normal activities immediately after each visit.
Will My Pupils Be Dilated?
No. One of the advantages of Valeda therapy is that it does not require pupil dilation. The treatment delivers its targeted wavelengths of light to the retina without the need for dilating drops, so you won’t experience the blurred vision, light sensitivity, or extended recovery time that often accompanies dilation during other eye procedures.
This is a significant benefit for patients who find dilation uncomfortable or inconvenient. With no needles, no dilation, and no surgical recovery, each Valeda session is designed to be as comfortable and hassle-free as possible, allowing the specialists at EyeSight Hawaii to help you preserve your vision with minimal disruption to your day.
Can I Drive Home After?
Yes. Because Valeda therapy is completely non-invasive and does not require dilation, your vision will be unchanged after each session. You can safely drive yourself home immediately following treatment, with no restrictions or recovery time needed. Many patients find the process so quick and convenient that they schedule sessions during a lunch break and return directly to work afterward.
Will Insurance Cover Valeda?
Valeda is a newer treatment, and coverage varies by insurance plan. In some cases, this treatment is covered by insurance, so it is worth checking with your provider. The team at EyeSight Hawaii can help you understand your benefits and determine whether your plan covers Valeda.
Is Valeda Right for Me?
Valeda is designed for patients diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration, particularly those in the early to intermediate stages of the disease. The treatment tends to be most effective when started early, which is why regular eye exams are so important for catching changes in your vision as soon as possible.
You may be a good candidate for Valeda if you have been diagnosed with drusen (the yellow deposits that form under the retina in dry AMD), if you are experiencing gradual changes in your central vision, or if you are looking for a proactive, non-invasive way to manage your condition.
If you or someone you care about is living with dry age-related macular degeneration, schedule a consultation at EyeSight Hawaii to find out whether Valeda photobiomodulation therapy is right for you.