Valeda Photobiomodulation for Dry AMD

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a deterioration of a small part of the retina called the macula. The macula is responsible for your central vision, helping you see fine details of objects in front of you, near or far. Ask our doctors about ways to slow down or stop the progression of AMD.

Dry AMD damages the macula and impairs central vision. It’s caused by oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial decline in retinal cells. Valeda’s targeted light therapy aims to improve cellular energy (ATP), lower harmful reactive oxygen species, and enhance retinal function—addressing root causes rather than just symptoms.

Valeda is the first FDA-authorized noninvasive treatment shown to improve vision in dry AMD using light rather than surgery or drugs. It works at the cellular level to support retinal metabolism and slowing disease progression.

Valeda is intended for patients with dry AMD and mild to moderate vision loss, generally early to intermediate dry AMD, as well as some patients with geographic atrophy that does not involve the center of vision. It is not intended for wet AMD or for patients whose central vision is already severely affected. A retina specialist will review your exam and retinal imaging to determine whether Valeda is a good fit.

One of the appeals of Valeda is how uneventful the actual appointment is. There’s no dilation, no needles, no anesthesia, and no recovery time. You’ll rest at a device delivering light pulses—about 5–10 minutes per eye—with no dilation, injections, or drops required. A typical treatment course includes 9 sessions over 3 to 5 weeks, followed by maintenance treatments every four months.

A typical course of treatment looks like this:

• Initial series — 9 treatment sessions spread across 3 to 5 weeks (generally 3 sessions per week)
• Each session — about 5–10 minutes per eye, sitting comfortably at the Valeda device while it delivers pulses of light
• Maintenance treatments — a shorter series repeated roughly every 4 months to sustain the benefit, since PBM’s effects on retinal cells aren’t permanent without continued therapy

Most patients describe the sessions as simply sitting and looking into a light source — no discomfort, no downtime, and you can drive yourself home immediately afterward.

Clinical trials report no serious adverse effects. Some patients may notice mild, temporary light afterimages or irritation. It’s not recommended for individuals with photosensitivity disorders.

• Non-invasive — no injections, incisions, or implants
• No dilation or anesthesia required
• Quick sessions that fit around a normal schedule
• FDA-authorized evidence of improved visual acuity, not just slowed decline
• Addresses an underlying mechanism (mitochondrial and oxidative stress) rather than only monitoring the disease
• May reduce progression to geographic atrophy, a leading cause of permanent central vision loss

Valeda is authorized for dry AMD only. Wet AMD is caused by abnormal, leaking blood vessels and is treated with anti-VEGF injections, which remain the standard of care. If you have wet AMD in one eye and dry AMD in the other, your retina specialist can discuss whether Valeda may be appropriate for the dry eye.

Coverage varies by insurer and plan, since Valeda is a newly authorized therapy. Ask your NVISION provider’s office to check your specific benefits, and ask about any available financing options for out-of-pocket costs.

Yes. Many patients use both, since AREDS2 vitamins and Valeda’s light therapy work through different mechanisms. Your doctor can advise on the best combination for your specific stage of AMD.

Some patients notice improvements in contrast sensitivity or visual clarity during the initial 9-session series, though results vary. The clinical trial measured benefits over months, not days, so it’s best to think of Valeda as a course of treatment rather than a single fix.

Photobiomodulation’s cellular effects aren’t permanent, which is why maintenance treatments are built into the protocol. Skipping them may mean the benefits fade over time — your doctor can help you stay on schedule.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a treatment that uses specific wavelengths of low-level light to stimulate cells to function more efficiently. The light is absorbed by the mitochondria, the energy-producing parts of cells, helping them make more energy and reducing stress and inflammation. In eye care, PBM is used to support the health of retinal cells affected by dry macular degeneration.

Valeda delivers three wavelengths of light (yellow, red, and near-infrared) to the eye in a series of brief, painless sessions. This light helps retinal cells that are stressed by dry AMD produce more energy and function better. Each session takes only a few minutes, requires no dilation or injections, and you can return to normal activities right away. A full course consists of nine sessions over several weeks, repeated periodically (usually every 4 months) to maintain the benefit.

Yes. In November 2024, the FDA authorized Valeda through its De Novo pathway for the treatment of vision loss in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration. It is the first FDA-authorized treatment intended to improve vision in dry AMD. In the pivotal LIGHTSITE III trial, treated patients gained on average about one line on the eye chart over two years.

Valeda appears most useful in early to intermediate dry AMD, before significant permanent damage to the central retina has occurred. The goal is to improve and maintain vision while the retinal cells are still healthy enough to respond. This is one reason regular exams and early diagnosis of dry AMD matter.

The cost can vary depending on the provider and the facility where the treatment is performed.