Advanced Macular Degeneration
Valeda Light Therapy
Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment
The First and Only FDA-Authorized Treatment for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) to Improve Vision
At the Eye Care Center of Northern Colorado, we are proud to offer the first FDA-authorized, non-invasive light therapy designed to slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This innovative treatment uses the Valeda Light Delivery System by LumiThera, a company dedicated to harnessing the power of light to detect, treat, and monitor retinal diseases, with a particular focus on dry AMD.
Dry AMD is a degenerative disease and may result in vision loss.
Understanding Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a progressive disease of the retina, the part of the eye responsible for detecting visual signals and sending them to the brain. It is the leading cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 65, and unfortunately, there is no cure. AMD comes in two forms:
- Dry AMD: The most common form, accounting for 85-90% of all cases.
- Wet AMD: A less common but more severe form, accounting for 10-15% of cases.
How Valeda Treatment Can Help
Valeda is a groundbreaking therapy that helps manage dry AMD by promoting clearer vision now and preserving it in the future. Retinal imaging shows improvements in eye scans, particularly when assessing drusen (protein deposits commonly found in eyes with dry AMD).
How Valeda Works:
Valeda uses photobiomodulation (PBM), a form of low-level light therapy that utilizes specific wavelengths to stimulate energy production within the eye, promoting healthier retinal cells. 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 to maintaining good vision and slowing the progression of dry AMD.
What to Expect During Your Valeda Treatment:
- No special preparation: Simply remove your glasses or contact lenses before treatment.
- Comfortable, non-invasive process: No eye drops, drugs, or needles are involved, and there is no discomfort during or after treatment.
- Quick treatment time: Each session lasts less than 5 minutes per eye.
- Treatment schedule: Typically, you’ll receive 9 treatments over 3 to 5 weeks. A series is generally repeated every 4 months, with your doctor determining the specific plan for you.
Post-Treatment Information
After treatment, you may experience photostress (a temporary afterimage), which typically lasts 15-30 seconds. Following this brief period, you can resume your normal activities without any restrictions.
Valeda Safety
There have been no concerning treatment-related side effects in clinical trials for Valeda. The most common side effects were a temporary increase in dry eye symptoms. As always, it’s important to consult your eye doctor to understand the full benefits and potential risks of Valeda treatment. Valeda is authorized by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and is available by prescription only.
Schedule a Consultation
To learn more about how the Valeda Light Delivery System can help manage the progression of your dry age-related macular degeneration, call us at 303-772-3300 or submit the form below to request a consultation.
To explore the research study behind the Valeda LumiThera Photobiomodulation therapy, click here to learn more.
