Valeda® Light Therapy
for Dry Macular
Degeneration

The First FDA-Authorized Light Therapy for Dry AMD – Now Available at The Center for Eye Care & Optical

If you've been diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), protecting your vision is essential. Valeda® Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment designed to support visual function in eligible patients with dry AMD—without injections, surgery, or downtime.

FDA-authorized treatment for dry AMD

Non-invasive and needle-free

Nine treatments over 3–5 weeks

No downtime after treatment

A New Option for Patients with Dry AMD

Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over age 50. It affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for detailed central vision used for reading, driving, recognizing faces, and using digital devices.

Because dry AMD often progresses gradually, many patients do not notice changes right away. Regular comprehensive eye examinations allow our doctors to evaluate retinal health, monitor disease progression, and determine whether newer treatment options such as Valeda® Light Therapy may be appropriate.

Valeda® Light Therapy at a Glance

  • FDA-authorized treatment for dry AMD
  • Non-invasive and needle-free
  • No injections or surgery
  • Comfortable in-office treatment
  • Nine treatments completed over approximately 3–5 weeks
  • No downtime after treatment
  • Designed to support retinal health and visual function
  • Available at The Center for Eye Care & Optical

What Is Valeda® Light Therapy?

Valeda® Light Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light energy, known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or red-light therapy, to support retinal cell function and help maintain vision in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Photobiomodulation uses specific wavelengths of visible and near-infrared light that are absorbed by cells and may help improve cellular energy production. Researchers have studied this technology for more than 50 years across multiple medical fields, including wound healing, pain management, neurology, and eye care.

Valeda® is the first FDA-authorized photobiomodulation treatment developed specifically for dry AMD. Unlike consumer red-light devices, Valeda delivers precise wavelengths of light directly to the retina under the supervision of an eye care professional.

Treatments are comfortable, painless, and performed right in our office—without injections or surgery.

How Valeda® Light Therapy Works

Retinal cells require energy to function properly. With age and retinal disease, these cells may become less efficient, contributing to changes in visual performance. Photobiomodulation delivers targeted light energy to retinal tissue to support cellular energy production and overall retinal health.

Valeda may help some patients maintain visual function and, in some cases, improve visual performance. Individual results vary, and treatment recommendations depend on your retinal findings and overall eye health.

What to Expect During Treatment

1

Comfortable Visit

During each Valeda treatment session, you will sit comfortably while the device delivers therapeutic light to the retina.

2

Short Sessions

Treatment sessions typically take only a few minutes. The standard Valeda protocol consists of a series of nine treatments delivered over approximately three to five weeks. Depending on your diagnosis, retinal findings, and response to therapy, additional treatment cycles may be recommended by your doctor.

3

Return to Routine

Most patients return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment.

Clinical Study Results

Valeda received FDA authorization based on clinical data from the LIGHTSITE III trial, which evaluated photobiomodulation treatment in patients with dry AMD.

After approximately 24 months, treated patients demonstrated improvements in best-corrected visual acuity compared with patients who did not receive treatment. Many treated eyes gained at least five letters, which is about one line on a standard eye chart.

While these results are encouraging, Valeda is not a cure for dry AMD. The goal of treatment is to support retinal function and visual performance in appropriate patients. Your doctor will review realistic expectations during your consultation.

Is Valeda® Light Therapy Right
for You?

Valeda may be appropriate for certain patients with dry AMD. During your evaluation, our doctors will perform a comprehensive eye examination, review your retinal imaging, discuss your symptoms and vision goals, and determine whether you are a candidate for treatment.

You may benefit from a consultation if you have been diagnosed with dry AMD, have drusen, or have noticed changes in your central vision.

Frequently Asked Questions About
Valeda® Light Therapy

Is Valeda® Light Therapy a laser treatment?
No. Valeda® Light Therapy is not a laser treatment. It uses low-level visible red and near-infrared light in a process called photobiomodulation (PBM), a medically developed form of what is commonly known as red light therapy.

Unlike medical lasers that are designed to cut, reshape, or destroy tissue, Valeda delivers gentle, non-damaging light energy to support retinal cell function and overall retinal health. The treatment is non-invasive, painless, and does not damage the retina.

Valeda® is the first FDA-authorized photobiomodulation treatment specifically developed for patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), providing a comfortable treatment option without injections, surgery, or downtime.
Is Valeda Light Therapy painful?
No. Most patients find the treatment comfortable and relaxing. There are no needles, injections, or surgical procedures involved.
How long does each treatment session take?
Each session typically takes only a few minutes. Your full appointment time may vary depending on your evaluation and treatment plan.
How many treatments will I need?
The standard protocol typically includes nine treatments over approximately three to five weeks. Your doctor will recommend a schedule based on your eye health and treatment goals.
Will Valeda® Light Therapy improve my vision?
Results vary. Some patients experience improvement in visual acuity or visual function, while others may benefit from maintaining their current level of vision. Your doctor will discuss realistic expectations with you.
Is there downtime after treatment?
No. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after treatment.
Is Valeda® Light Therapy covered by insurance?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Our team can review your benefits and discuss potential out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Can Valeda® Light Therapy cure dry AMD?
No. Valeda is not a cure for dry AMD. It is designed to support retinal health and visual function in eligible patients.
Are there side effects?
Valeda has demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical studies. As with any medical treatment, our doctors will review the potential risks and benefits with you before beginning therapy.
How do I get started?
Schedule a comprehensive evaluation with our doctors. We will assess your retinal health and determine whether Valeda Light Therapy is appropriate for you.

Schedule Your Valeda® Light Therapy Evaluation

Early evaluation is important. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dry age- related macular degeneration, Valeda Light Therapy may offer a new way to support retinal health and visual function.

Call The Center for Eye Care & Optical today or request an appointment online to schedule your Valeda consultation.

Valeda® Light Therapy is FDA-authorized for the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration in eligible patients. Individual results vary. Valeda is not a cure for dry AMD. Treatment recommendations should be based on a comprehensive eye examination, retinal evaluation, and consultation with your eye care professional.