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 who:

• Have been diagnosed with early or intermediate dry AMD by an eye doctor or retina specialist
• Have mild to moderate vision impairment related to AMD (rather than advanced geographic atrophy or wet AMD)
• Are looking for a non-invasive option that doesn’t involve injections, surgery, or daily medication

Valeda is not a treatment for wet AMD, and it’s not intended to reverse vision already lost to advanced geographic atrophy. Patients with active photosensitivity disorders, or certain retinal conditions that make them sensitive to light exposure, may not be candidates. A comprehensive dilated eye exam and imaging (such as OCT) are typically used to confirm the stage of AMD and whether Valeda is appropriate.

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

No. Valeda is authorized specifically for dry (non-neovascular) AMD. Wet AMD, caused by abnormal blood vessel growth, requires a different treatment approach, typically anti-VEGF injections.

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.