Valeda Light Delivery System
What is Valeda?
The Valeda® Light Delivery System is the first and only FDA-approved treatment designed to improve vision in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Using safe, non-invasive photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, Valeda delivers specific wavelengths of light to the retina to energize cells, improve function, and support healthier vision. This advanced therapy works to slow the progression of dry AMD, improve vision, and even decrease drusen- the small yellow deposits that build up in the retina.
- No injections
- No surgery
- No downtime
- In office treatment
How it helps
- Improved or maintained vision- 84% of Valeda treated patients improved or maintained vision at ~2 years compared to baseline.
- Reduced drusen volume- decreasing macular deposits associated with vision loss.
- Slowed progression of geographic atrophy- with significantly fewer cases of GA compared to baseline.
What to expect
Preparing for treatment:
No special preparation is needed before treatment. You will need to remove glasses or contact lenses.
During treatment:
You will be seated comfortably in front of Valeda and guided through each step of treatment. The active treatment time is less than 5 minutes per eye per session.
You will receive 9 treatments over 3 to 5 weeks during each series. Typically, a series is repeated every 4 months.
After treatment:
Due to exposure to bright lights, you may experience an afterimage following treatment for 15-30 seconds. Following treatment you can resume normal activities.
There have been no treatment-related side effects in clinical trials with Valeda.
Is Valeda right for you?
Valeda is an excellent option for patient with dry macular degeneration (AMD) who have drusen or non-central geographic atrophy. However, this treatment is not recommended for individuals with wet AMD or those with advanced vision loss caused by central macular atrophy.
Our doctors will evaluate you and determine if Valeda is a good fit for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does insurance cover Valeda?
- Some insurance companies will cover on-label Valeda treatment. Our team will verify your insurance benefits and discuss treatment pricing with you.
- What qualifies as on-label treatment?
- The Valeda Light Delivery System is intended to provide improved visual acuity in patients with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/32 through 20/70 and who have AMD characterized by:
- The presence of at least 3 medium drusen, or large drusen, or non-central geographic atrophy, and the absence of neovascular maculopathy or central-involving geographic atrophy.
- The Valeda Light Delivery System is intended to provide improved visual acuity in patients with best-corrected visual acuity of 20/32 through 20/70 and who have AMD characterized by:
- Who should avoid Valeda treatment?
- As a precaution, patients have not been tested and should not be treated with Valeda if they have any known photosensitivity to yellow light, red light, or near-infrared radiation (NIR), or if they have a history of light-activated central nervous system disorders (e.g., epilepsy, migraine). In addition, patients should not receive treatment within 30 days of using photosensitizing agents (e.g., topicals, injectables) that are affected by 590, 660, and/or 850 nm light before consulting with their physician.
- As a precaution, patients have not been tested and should not be treated with Valeda if they have any known photosensitivity to yellow light, red light, or near-infrared radiation (NIR), or if they have a history of light-activated central nervous system disorders (e.g., epilepsy, migraine). In addition, patients should not receive treatment within 30 days of using photosensitizing agents (e.g., topicals, injectables) that are affected by 590, 660, and/or 850 nm light before consulting with their physician.
- What if I have cataracts?
- Patients can receive Valeda treatment if they have cataracts.
- Will I still need to take AREDS vitamins?
- We still recommend that patients continue their AREDS vitamins.
