We are pleased to announce that the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado is now offering the first FDA-authorized, non-invasive light therapy to help reverse vision loss and slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This groundbreaking treatment utilizes the Valeda Light Delivery System by LumiThera, a company dedicated to harnessing the power of light for the detection, treatment, and monitoring of retinal diseases, with a focus on dry AMD.
Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AMD is a progressive disease of the retina, the part of the eye that detects visual signals and sends them to the brain. It is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 65, and there is no cure. There are two forms of AMD:
• The dry form accounts for 85 to 90% of AMD cases
• The wet form accounts for 10 to 15% of AMD cases
Your symptoms may be mild, or you may have no symptoms for several years. If your dry AMD progresses, your ability to see clearly may change. Dry AMD can cause retinal cells to deteriorate and may result in cellular death, leading to geographic atrophy and permanent vision loss.
Benefits of Valeda Treatment
Treatment with Valeda can help you see more clearly now and in the future. Retinal imaging indicates improvement in eye scans when assessed for drusen (protein deposits observed in eyes with dry AMD). Early treatment can make a difference. While there is no cure for dry AMD, early treatment is important.
How Valeda Works
Valeda uses photobiomodulation (PBM), specific wavelengths of low-level light therapy, to stimulate energy production within the eye, resulting in improved cellular health. By stimulating the mitochondria, which is the energy factory within our cells, there is an increase in metabolic function, reduced inflammation, and reducing the risk of further vision loss and disease progression. Healthy retinal cells are essential for maintaining good vision.
Preparing for Your Valeda Treatment
No special preparation is needed before treatment. You will need to remove glasses or contact lenses. There are no eye drops, drugs, or needles used in the treatment. There is no discomfort during or after the treatment.
During Your Valeda Treatment
You will be seated comfortably in front of Valeda and guided through each step of the 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. Your doctor will determine your plan.
After Your Valeda Treatment
Due to the exposure to bright lights, you may experience an afterimage following treatment. This is known as photostress. Normal photostress recovery time is approximately 15-30 seconds. Following treatment, you will be able to resume normal activities.
Valeda Safety
There have been no concerning treatment-related side effects in clinical trials with Valeda. The most common side effects were a temporary increase in dry eye symptoms. Consult your eye doctor for an explanation of the benefits and risks associated with Valeda treatment. Valeda is authorized by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and is available by prescription only.
Valeda Indications for Use
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 dry age related macular degeneration (AMD) characterized by:
• The presence of at least 3 medium drusen (> 63 μm and ≤ 125 μm in diameter), or large drusen (> 125 μm in diameter), or non-central geographic atrophy, AND
• The absence of neovascular maculopathy or center-involving geographic atrophy
After about two years, the Valeda Light Delivery System treatment provides improved mean visual acuity of approximately one line of visual acuity (ETDRS) compared to those not receiving the treatment.
To explore the research study behind the Valeda LumiThera Photobiomodulation therapy, click here to learn more.
