Valeda Light Therapy for Dry Macular Degeneration
In the past, a dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) diagnosis meant taking a long list of eye vitamins, attending regular monitoring appointments, and hoping for the best while you watched your vision slowly slip away. Valeda Light Therapy at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley changes that.
What is Valeda?
Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration. Over time, cells in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision, become stressed and stop working as well as they should. Yellow deposits called drusen build up beneath the retina, and you may notice blurry spots, trouble reading in dim light, or less vibrant colors.
The Valeda Light Delivery System by LumiThera is the first FDA-authorized treatment proven in clinical trials to improve vision for patients with dry AMD. It uses photobiomodulation (PBM) to energize retinal cells, helping them reduce inflammation, clear waste, and combat the damage caused by dry AMD.
The treatment itself is painless. Nothing touches the surface of your eye. There are no needles or surgery, and no dilation is required, just a few comfortable minutes in a chair while the gentle light therapy does its job.
The Benefits of Choosing Valeda
Clinically-Proven Results
The FDA authorized Valeda after the LIGHTSITE III study, a randomized, double-masked trial at ten retina centers in the United States. In this study, researchers followed 100 patients with early to intermediate dry AMD for two years and compared Valeda with a placebo.
During the study, 63% of patients treated with Valeda had measurable vision improvements. Seventy-five percent had slower progression toward advanced dry AMD, and 53% fewer patients had worsening vision than those who did not receive Valeda. On average, patients gained about one full line on an eye chart.
A long-term extension study, LIGHTSITE IIIB, found that many patients kept their vision gains for up to 4.5 years, even during a break in treatment, and that improvements returned when treatment resumed. For people with dry AMD, gaining just one line of vision can make it possible to read a prescription label, recognize a grandchild from across the room, or keep a driver’s license.
Non-Invasive & No Recovery Period Required
Most treatments for age-related macular degeneration ask patients to accept some tradeoff, whether it is the discomfort of an injection or the recovery time after surgery. Valeda asks for very little in return.
No needles or instruments are touching your eye, just a painless light treatment doing all the work while you sit comfortably. Since there’s no dilation or surgery, you can drive yourself home and get back to your routine straight away.
Easy Maintenance Schedule
Treatment begins with nine sessions for each eye, spread over three to five weeks. Our team will help you schedule appointments that fit your routine, so you do not have to worry about a strict schedule. Because dry AMD is a long-term condition, Valeda works best with repeat treatments, usually every four months. Your doctor will make a plan based on how your eyes respond.
Am I a Good Candidate for Valeda?
Valeda is designed for people with early to intermediate dry AMD who still have central vision to protect. It is not suitable for those with wet AMD, advanced geographic atrophy, or certain light-sensitive conditions such as epilepsy or some migraine disorders.
The first step is a thorough evaluation. If you have been told you have drusen, early macular changes, or dry AMD, you will receive a detailed exam, advanced retinal imaging, and a review of your vision before making any treatment decisions.
Valeda does not replace the other steps that help protect your eyes. Many patients continue taking AREDS2 eye vitamins, eating a diet rich in leafy greens and fish, avoiding smoking, and checking their vision at home with an Amsler grid. Combining these habits with Valeda and regular visits gives you the best chance of keeping the vision you have and catching changes early.
What to Expect During Your Valeda Treatment
Your Valeda appointment takes just a few minutes. You’ll rest your chin on the device while it gently shines specific amounts of yellow (590 nm), red (660 nm), and near-infrared (850 nm) light onto the retina.
The mitochondria in the retina absorb this light and start making energy more efficiently. You’ll repeat this process with the other eye, then you’ll be ready to head home and return to normal activities right away.
During your care, our retina specialists use advanced imaging to track your eye health, so both you and your doctor can see your progress.
Does Insurance Cover Valeda?
Insurance coverage for Valeda depends on your plan. Some plans now cover treatment for patients with vision between 20/32 and 20/70. If you don’t meet these criteria, you may still qualify, but you’ll likely need to pay out of pocket. Our team will review your eligibility and costs with you before you decide.
Protect Your Vision with Valeda
A dry AMD diagnosis no longer has to mean waiting for your vision to change. If you have early or intermediate dry AMD, schedule an appointment at Eye Specialists of Napa Valley to find out whether Valeda Light Therapy is right for you.
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*Individual results are not guaranteed and may vary from person to person. Images may contain models.