What Makes Valeda Different?
Most treatments for AMD 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.
- Nothing touches the surface of the eye during treatment
- Each session lasts only a few minutes per eye
- No dilation or recovery period is required
- Patients drive themselves home and return to normal activities right away
Eye vitamins may slow down the buildup of drusen, but they have not been shown to bring back lost vision. Valeda stands out because clinical trials show it can actually improve vision, not just slow its loss.
Schedule an AppointmentHow Does Valeda Work?
Valeda is a non-invasive medical device created by LumiThera, now part of Alcon. It uses photobiomodulation (PBM), a type of light therapy studied for its effects on dry AMD. The retina needs a lot of energy, which comes from mitochondria inside each retinal cell.
With dry AMD, mitochondria do not work as well. Waste builds up faster than the retina can remove it, inflammation rises, and yellowish spots called drusen form under the retina.
Over time, this damages the cells that allow you to see clearly in the center of your vision.
Valeda addresses this problem directly. In each session, the device 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. This helps the cells clear waste, reduce inflammation, and fight the damage caused by the disease.
What the Clinical Evidence Shows
Valeda received FDA approval based on results from the LIGHTSITE III study, a randomized, double-masked trial at ten retina centers in the United States. Researchers followed 100 patients with early to intermediate dry AMD for two years, comparing Valeda to a placebo treatment. Here is what they found.
63
%
75
%
53
%
~
1
Patients gained an average of approximately 1 full line on the eye chart compared with those not receiving treatment.*
A long-term extension study, LIGHTSITE IIIB, found that vision gains persisted for up to 4.5 years in many patients, even through a treatment pause, and returned again once treatment resumed. For people with dry AMD, gaining just one line of vision can mean being able to read a prescription label, recognize a grandchild from across the room, or keep a driver's license.
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What Does Treatment Look Like?
A Valeda appointment is more like having your picture taken than having a medical procedure. You rest your chin on the device, light is shined into each eye for a few minutes, and then you are done.
An Initial Series of Nine Sessions Per Eye
Treatment starts with nine sessions for each eye, spread over three to five weeks. Our team helps schedule appointments that fit your life, so you do not have to follow a strict routine.
Ongoing Maintenance Visits
Since dry AMD is a long-term condition, Valeda works best with repeat treatments, usually every four months. Your doctor will create a plan based on how your eyes respond over time.
Monitoring Along the Way
During your care, our retina specialists use advanced imaging to track your eye health. This way, both you and your doctor can see how your eyes are responding.
Am I a Candidate for Valeda?
Valeda is meant for people with early to intermediate dry AMD who still have central vision to protect. It is not for those with wet AMD, advanced geographic atrophy, or certain light-sensitive conditions like 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 get a detailed exam, advanced retinal imaging, and a review of your vision before any treatment decisions are made.
Insurance coverage for Valeda depends on your plan. Some plans now cover the treatment for patients with vision between 20/40 and 20/70. If you do not meet these criteria, you may still be eligible, but the cost would likely be out-of-pocket. Our team will review your eligibility and costs with you before you decide.
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Why Choose Eye Care & Vision Associates for Valeda
Eye Care & Vision Associates has served Western New York for decades as a leading provider of medical and surgical eye care, and our retina team has long been focused on protecting the vision of patients living with macular degeneration. Adding Valeda to our services reflects that same commitment: bringing evidence-based treatment to patients as soon as it becomes available, rather than waiting years for it to become common.
Our retina specialists carefully review your imaging, assess your condition, and clearly explain what Valeda can and cannot do before making any recommendations. With offices in Buffalo, Orchard Park, Niagara Falls, and Williamsville, expert dry AMD care is available close to home.
Talk with a Retina SpecialistProtect Your Central Vision Today
Dry AMD usually gets worse slowly, so acting early helps protect more of your central vision. Valeda is a real, non-invasive option supported by two years of clinical data, available here in Western New York.
Want to know if Valeda is right for you? Schedule an appointment with Eye Care & Vision Associates online or call 716.631.EYES (3937) to meet our retina team and talk about your options.
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