Valeda® Light Therapy for Dry AMD

Valeda® Light Delivery Therapy is a non-invasive treatment for certain patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It uses photobiomodulation (PBM)—specific wavelengths of light designed to stimulate cellular activity within the retina.

Valeda was FDA authorized in 2024 for certain patients with dry AMD. Unlike treatments that require medication to be injected into the eye, Valeda is performed using light therapy and requires no needles, injections, or anesthesia.

How Does Valeda Work?

Valeda delivers three specific wavelengths of light—590, 660, and 850 nanometers—to the retina. This light is intended to influence cellular processes, including mitochondrial function, inflammation, and oxidative stress, which are believed to play a role in the development and progression of AMD.

The goal of treatment is to support retinal function, preserve vision, and potentially slow the progression of dry AMD. Valeda is not a cure for macular degeneration and cannot restore retinal cells that have already been permanently lost.

What Does Treatment Involve?

A Valeda treatment series consists of nine treatment sessions, typically performed three times per week over 3–5 weeks.

Each treatment is brief and performed in our office. There are no injections or incisions, and patients can return to their normal activities immediately afterward.

Treatment series may be repeated periodically as recommended by your physician.

Who Is a Candidate?

Valeda is intended for certain patients with dry AMD, but not everyone with macular degeneration will qualify.

Your physician will evaluate your retinal examination, imaging, visual acuity, stage of AMD, and medical history to determine whether treatment is appropriate. Patients with wet AMD or advanced geographic atrophy may not qualify for FDA-authorized treatment but may have other treatment options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Valeda FDA approved?

Valeda received FDA De Novo authorization in November 2024 for the treatment of certain patients with dry AMD. De Novo authorization is the FDA pathway used for certain new medical devices for which there was not previously a comparable legally marketed device.

Is Valeda an injection?

No. Valeda is completely non-invasive. There are no needles, injections, incisions, or anesthesia. Treatment is delivered using controlled wavelengths of light.

Does Valeda cure dry AMD?

No. There is currently no cure for dry AMD. Valeda is intended to improve or preserve visual function and potentially slow disease progression in appropriate patients. Individual results vary.

Will Valeda improve my vision?

Some patients in clinical studies experienced improvements in visual acuity, but improvement cannot be guaranteed. The goal is not simply to improve an eye-chart measurement, but to help maintain retinal and visual function over time.

How many treatments will I need?

One treatment series consists of nine sessions over approximately 3–5 weeks. Additional treatment series may be recommended periodically.

How long does each treatment take?

Treatment sessions are brief. You should plan for approximately 10 minutes for the treatment itself, although your total visit may be longer.

Does Valeda hurt?

Valeda treatment is non-invasive and generally well tolerated. You may notice bright lights during treatment, but there is no injection or contact with the inside of the eye.

Can I drive after treatment?

Most patients can return to their normal activities immediately following treatment. Your vision may temporarily be affected by the brightness of the treatment lights, so please discuss any concerns about driving with our team.

Can I receive Valeda if I have wet AMD?

Valeda's FDA-authorized indication does not include eyes with neovascular, or wet, AMD. If you have both dry and wet AMD or are receiving injections for AMD, your physician will determine whether Valeda is appropriate for either eye.

What if I have geographic atrophy?

It depends on the location and extent of the atrophy. Patients with advanced dry AMD may have other treatment options, including Syfovre® or Izervay™ injections, which are FDA approved to slow the progression of geographic atrophy.

Your physician will review your imaging and discuss which treatment options are appropriate for your particular stage of AMD.

Does Valeda replace AREDS2 vitamins?

No. If AREDS2 supplements have been recommended for you, Valeda does not necessarily replace them. Vitamins, lifestyle modifications, regular retinal monitoring, and treatment can all play different roles in managing dry AMD.

Are there reasons I may not be able to receive Valeda?

Yes. Your medical history and medications will be reviewed before treatment. Certain eye conditions, medications that increase sensitivity to light, and other medical factors may affect whether Valeda is appropriate for you.

Is Valeda covered by insurance?

Valeda is a newer treatment, and insurance coverage may be limited or unavailable. Retina Care Center offers private-pay treatment options. Our team will review treatment costs with you before you begin therapy.

How do I know if Valeda is right for me?

The first step is a Valeda evaluation. Your physician will review your retinal imaging, vision, and stage of AMD to determine whether you are an appropriate candidate and discuss the potential benefits, limitations, and alternatives with you.

Learn More About the Research

We encourage patients to learn about their treatment options and review the available research. You can read published clinical research on Valeda and photobiomodulation through PubMed Central.

Interested in Valeda? Contact Retina Care Center at 541-842-2020 to learn more or ask whether a Valeda evaluation may be appropriate for you.