VALEDA:
Light Delivery System
VALEDA Light Delivery System is the First and Only FDA-Authorized Treatment for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
VALEDA treats Dry AMD by using Photobiomodulation (PBM), to apply specific wavelengths of light to the eye. Clinical studies have shown that VALEDA can improve visual outcomes.
In the aging eyes, cells may become sick, leading to loss of function and cell death. PBM works by stimulating energy production within cells of the eye and improves their ability to perform their roles. Healthy cells are essential for good eye health.
Treatment Plan:
Valeda Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy is a form of light therapy showing promise in the
control of dry Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The Valeda therapy is the first ever
authorized treatment by the FDA for vision loss in dry AMD patients. According to the LIGHTSITE
III trial data, approximately 55% of patients treated with photobiomodulation (PBM) experienced
a significant vision improvement of at least 5 letters on the eye chart at the 13-month mark. It has
shown to be safe and effective in maintaining improved visual acuity
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease that happens in 3 stages:
EARLY
Small waste deposits, called drusen, form in the back of the eye. People with early AMD typically do not experience vision loss.
INTERMEDIATE
Deposits increase in the number and/or size. They may cause some vision loss, but some people will not have obvious symptoms.
ADVANCED
In addition to drusen, vision loss can occur from excess fluid and blood (wet AMD) and/or death of retina cells (GA).
Symptoms Include:
The earlier AMD is diagnosed and monitored by an eye care professional, the better the results will be in treating the disease and preserving your vision.
Here at Tyson Eye we can determine how frequently you need to be seen for checkups and treatments based on your unique vision health and family history.
Retina Specialists:
VALEDA: FAQs
1. Who is suitable for the VALEDA treatment?
VALEDA is indicated for use in the treatment of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients with vision impairment. Those individuals receiving treatment should have a doctor diagnosis of Dry AMD. The stage of Dry AMD
may impact the benefits of the treatment.
Your doctor will discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan with you.
2. Who is NOT suitable for the VALEDA treatment?
As a precaution, patients have not been tested and should not be treated with VALEDA if they have any known reactions to light exposure, or if they have a history of light-activated central nervous system disorders (e.g., epilepsy, migraine).
In addition, patients should not receive treatment within 30 days of using any photosensitizing medications (e.g., topicals, injectables) before consulting with their physician.
3. What’s involved with the VALEDA treatment? Do I need any special preparation?
If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you will be asked to remove them prior to receiving treatment. Your eyes will not be dilated for the VALEDA treatment. You will
be seated comfortably at the VALEDA Light Delivery System.
The person administering the treatment will guide you through each step of the treatment which takes less
than 5 minutes. Treatment for both eyes will take less than 10 minutes. Clinical trials have shown benefits in visual function following treatment 3 times a week for 3-4 weeks. This is the recommended treatment protocol for patients with Dry AMD.
In a recent clinical study, patients received no more than 3 treatments a week and no more than one treatment in a 24 hour period. If you miss a treatment, it is recommended to make up the session within the 3-4 week treatment series period.
4. What are clinical benefits of the VALEDA treatment?
Treatment with VALEDA improves benefits in overall visual function including
improvement in vision when scored on the eyechart and improved detailed vision.
Photographic imaging also shows improvement in scans of the eye when assessed
for drusen (protein deposits that are observed in the diseased eye).
5. What are the potential side effects of the VALEDA treatment?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a low level light based therapy that helps cells improve their function. PBM has been used in many different diseases and disorders for decades with a positive safety profile.
In clinical trials in dry AMD patients, the use of light therapy has also been shown to be safe. VALEDA is designed to be eye safe. There have been no treatment-related side effects noted in previous studies
with the VALEDA.
6. What can I expect during and after the VALEDA treatment?
It is well known that looking at bright light can produce an afterimage. Another
name for this is photobleaching, where the cells that “see” that specific color
become fatigued.
For example, if you look at a red light, those colors may fade
after treatment and you will see more of the opposite color (i.e., green). This
phenomenon may be seen immediately following the treatment and will recover
in a couple of minutes.
You will be able to partake in normal activities following
the treatment.
7. What if I have Cataracts?
Patients can receive the VALEDA treatment if they have cataracts.
