Photobiomodulation Valeda Therapy for Dry AMD

Valeda Light Therapy

Retina Macula Institute of Arizona is proud to offer Valeda® photobiomodulation therapy for appropriate patients with dry age-related macular degeneration.

Valeda is a non-invasive light therapy designed to improve visual acuity in patients with early- to intermediate-stage dry AMD who meet specific clinical criteria.

Dry AMD is a progressive retinal condition that can affect central vision, reading, driving, facial recognition, and other daily activities. Until recently, many patients with dry AMD had limited treatment options beyond monitoring, lifestyle changes, and nutritional support. Valeda light therapy gives eligible patients another option to discuss with their retina specialist.

Treatment with Valeda is performed in the office using the Valeda Light Delivery System. The therapy uses targeted wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity in the retina. The goal is to support healthier retinal cell function, help preserve vision, and reduce the impact of dry AMD progression over time.

To determine whether Valeda treatment is right for you, patients must complete an evaluation with a retina specialist at Retina Macula Institute of Arizona. This evaluation may include a dilated eye exam, retinal imaging, and a review of your diagnosis, vision, medical history, and treatment goals.

Non-invasive light therpay
Targets key cellular processes in the retina
Supports retinal cell function & energy
For appropriate patients with dry age-related macular degeneration

About Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration, often called AMD, is a common retinal condition that affects the macula. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. When the macula is damaged, patients may have trouble reading, recognizing faces, seeing fine details, or completing close-up tasks.

AMD is generally classified into two main types: dry AMD and wet AMD.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is the more common form. It often develops gradually as retinal cells become less efficient and deposits called drusen build up beneath the retina. Some patients may notice mild vision changes early on, while others may not realize they have AMD until it is found during an eye exam.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is less common but can progress more quickly. It occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and leak fluid or blood. Valeda is not intended for wet AMD.

Common symptoms of dry AMD

blurry central vision

distortion

difficulty reading

trouble seeing in dim lighting

reduced contrast sensitivity

needing brighter light for close-up

Because symptoms can be subtle at first, routine retinal evaluations are important for patients at risk.

How Valeda Light Therapy Works

Healthy retinal cells need energy to function properly. As we age, the cells in the retina can become stressed and less efficient. Photobiomodulation therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity and support energy production inside the cells.

Valeda delivers light therapy at three wavelengths selected to target key cellular processes involved in retinal health. The treatment is designed to support mitochondrial function, improve cellular energy production, and encourage healthier retinal activity.

This process may help:

  • Support retinal cell function
  • Promote better cellular energy production
  • Improve or maintain visual acuity in eligible patients
  • Help stabilize certain signs of dry AMD progression
  • Provide a non-invasive treatment option without injections or surgery

Valeda treatment does not replace regular retinal monitoring. Patients with dry AMD still need ongoing follow-up with their retina specialist to monitor retinal changes and watch for signs of disease progression.

Who May Be a Candidate for Valeda?

Valeda may be appropriate for certain patients with early to intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration. Eligibility depends on your retinal findings, visual acuity, imaging results, and overall eye health.

Ideal candidates generally have dry AMD with specific clinical features, such as drusen or certain non-central areas of geographic atrophy, and vision within the treatment range. Valeda is not intended for patients with wet AMD and may not be recommended for patients with advanced forms of dry AMD involving the center of the macula.

The only way to know whether you qualify is to schedule a consultation with a retina specialist. During your visit, our team will evaluate your retina, review your imaging, discuss your symptoms, and determine whether Valeda is a good fit for your condition.

The retina is rich in mitochondria, and mitochondrial dysfunction is a known cause of vision loss in dry AMD.

Cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) is a key photoacceptor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain.

Valeda™ PBM wavelengths activate CcO, enhancing electron transport and mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, the cell’s major source of energy.

What to Expect

Your first step is to consult with a retina specialist at the Retina Macula Institute of Arizona. This appointment helps determine whether Valeda treatment is appropriate for your eyes and your stage of dry AMD.

Your consultation may include:

  • A comprehensive retinal examination
  • Dilated eye exam
  • Retinal imaging
  • Review of your medical and ocular history
  • Discussion of your dry AMD diagnosis
  • Review of your treatment options
  • Explanation of Valeda treatment expectations
  • Discussion of insurance coverage, self-pay options, and financial responsibility

If you are a candidate and choose to move forward, our team will help you schedule your treatment visits.

Treatment Visits

Valeda treatments are performed in the office and require little to no preparation. The treatment is non-invasive and does not involve injections, anesthesia, surgery, eye drops, or medication.

Before treatment, you may be asked to remove glasses or contact lenses. During the session, you will sit comfortably while the Valeda device delivers controlled light therapy to the eye. Most treatment sessions take only a few minutes.

Most patients are able to return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment. Some patients may notice a temporary afterimage or mild visual change right after the session. This usually fades quickly.

Treatment Schedule

  • A Valeda treatment course typically includes nine treatment sessions.
  • Treatments are usually completed up to three times per week over several weeks. Your exact schedule will be reviewed with you before treatment begins.
  • Treatment may be performed in one eye or both eyes, depending on your diagnosis and your physician’s recommendation.

Insurance Coverage and Payment Options

  • Insurance coverage for Valeda photobiomodulation therapy can vary by plan. Before treatment begins, our team will review available coverage information and discuss your anticipated financial responsibility.
  • Self-pay options may also be available for patients who are not covered or who choose to pay out of pocket. Current pricing and payment options will be reviewed during your consultation so you can make an informed decision before starting treatment.

The Clinical Research Behind Valeda

Valeda photobiomodulation therapy has been studied in multicenter clinical trials known as the LIGHTSITE studies. These studies evaluated the safety and effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration.

Clinical research has shown that some patients treated with Valeda experienced improvements in visual acuity and stabilization of certain retinal findings associated with dry AMD. Research also suggests that photobiomodulation may help reduce the likelihood of progression to more advanced stages in some patients.

As with any medical treatment, results can vary. Valeda is not a cure for AMD, and it may not be appropriate for every patient. Your retina specialist will explain what the research means for your specific diagnosis and whether this therapy is a reasonable option for your condition.

Safety

Valeda therapy is generally well tolerated. The treatment is non-invasive and does not require injections, incisions, or anesthesia.

Some patients may experience mild temporary effects, such as eye strain, irritation, discomfort, or short-term visual changes after treatment. These effects are typically brief.

Your retina specialist will review your medical history, medications, eye health, and any risk factors before recommending treatment.

Contraindications and Precautions

Valeda may not be appropriate for patients with certain light sensitivities or medical conditions. Patients should not receive treatment if they have known photosensitivity to yellow, red, or near-infrared light.

Patients with a history of light-activated central nervous system disorders, including certain seizure disorders, epilepsy, or migraines, should discuss this with their physician before treatment.

Patients using photosensitizing medications, topicals, or injectables may need to wait before receiving treatment or may require physician clearance. Your retina specialist will review this during your consultation.

Request an Appointment at Retina Macula Institute of Arizona

Valeda light therapy is available at the Retina Macula Institute of Arizona in Scottsdale.

If you have been diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration, schedule a consultation to find out whether Valeda photobiomodulation therapy may be right for you. If you are already a patient, ask your retina specialist about Valeda at your next visit.

Call today to schedule an appointment and learn whether you may be a candidate for Valeda light therapy.