The First and Only FDA-Approved Treatment for Early to Intermediate Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration!
Photobiomodulation
By stimulating the mitochondria in your retina, treatment boosts metabolic function, reduces inflammation, and may help stabilize and even enhance your vision, reducing the risk of further vision loss and disease progression. See the future more clearly with this innovative medical therapy!
Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that gradually damages the retina, the part of the eye responsible for sending visual signals to the brain. AMD is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 65, and, until now, there have been no FDA-approved treatments for this condition aside from nutritional supplementation.
There are two forms of AMD: dry and wet. Approximately 90% of patients with AMD have the dry form and 10% have the wet form. The primary symptom of AMD is visual impairment and irreversible vision loss.
Benefits of Treatment & Clinical Research
Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or red-light therapy, can help you see more clearly now and in the future. A series of three multi-center clinical trials, LIGHTSITE I, II and III, evaluating the now FDA-approved Valeda® Light Delivery System were conducted at leading retinal centers across the U.S., enrolling people with early to intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration.
The LIGHTSITE Phase III trial was conducted over 24 months, investigating 148 eyes from 100 participants treated with either Valeda® PBM or a placebo (sham) treatment, three times a week for several weeks at a time. The results showed that PBM significantly improved vision in patients, with an average increase of 6.2 letters on the standard eye chart at 21 months, and an improvement maintained at 24 months. In contrast, the placebo group showed little improvement.
In addition to improved vision, PBM-treated individuals in the LIGHTSITE III trial also showed no worsening of a key sign of dry AMD—called drusen (protein deposits)—while those who received a placebo treatment had more drusen buildup.
As for the progression of the disease, PBM trial participants proved to lower the risk of advancement to the severe stage of macular degeneration- also known as wet-AMD. And more importantly, fewer PBM-treated eyes developed a condition called geographic atrophy (GA), the most severe form of dry AMD where significant cell death in the macula occurs, leading to irreversible vision loss. Avoiding conversion to wet-AMD or geographic atrophy allows you to maintain and keep your sight for longer.
Visit the LumiThera website to learn about the science behind Valeda®.
How It Works
LumiThera’s Valeda® Light Delivery System works by delivering wavelengths of low-level light therapy to stimulate the energy-producing parts of cells within the eye, which helps improve their function and protects them from damage. When light is absorbed by the cells, it boosts energy production and triggers changes in certain molecules that help the cells work better and survive longer. Healthy cells in the retina are essential for maintaining clear vision.
Treatment Expectations and Preparation
Valeda® treatments are delivered in-office at our Cherry Creek location, in a series of 9 sessions per eye over a three to five week period. Within the span of 12 months, expect to complete 3 sessions, equating to 27 total treatments. LumiThera® recommends undertaking the treatment every four months on an ongoing basis.
Each visit duration is 30 minutes, with the treatment itself being less than 5 minutes per eye. No special preparation is needed prior to treatment. You will need to remove your glasses or contact lenses. There is no dilation, no eye drops, no drugs, and no needles used- the procedure is non-invasive, quick and painless.
Following treatment, you may experience an afterimage which is a symptom of looking at bright lights. Symptoms should subside within minutes of treatment. There is no downtime, and you may resume all normal physical activity following therapy.
Indications for Use
- The presence of at least 3 medium drusen (> 63 μm and ≤ 125 μm in diameter), or large drusen (> 125μm in diameter), or non-central geographic atrophy, AND
- The absence of neovascular maculopathy or center-involving geographic atrophy
Safety
The Valeda® Light Delivery System technology delivered to the retina is generally safe with minimal side effects. Studies report no damage to the eye or its photoreceptors. Some people may experience mild discomfort, ocular strain or irritation, or temporary vision changes during or after treatment, but these symptoms are rare and usually subside quickly. And while research is ongoing, long-term effects of PBM on the retina are still being investigated.
Contradictions
As a precaution, patients should not be treated with Valeda® if they have any known photosensitivity to yellow or red light or near-infrared radiation, or history of light activated central nervous system disorders (e.g., seizure, epilepsy, migraine, etc). Patients should not receive treatment within 30 days of using photosensitizing agents (e.g., topicals, injectables) that are affected by 590, 660, or 850 nm light before consulting with a Colorado Retina physician.
Meet Our Valeda Specialist
Betty Zhang, O.D.
Dr. Betty Zhang is a leading expert in retinal care at Colorado Retina, specializing in the use of the Valeda® Light Delivery System photobiomodulation therapy for dry AMD. With a passion for advancing retinal health, Dr. Zhang brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in both clinical practice and cutting-edge therapies.
Dr. Zhang graduated with honors from The University of Houston College of Optometry, where she was involved in clinical research and served as President of the UHCO student chapter of the American Academy of Optometry, advocating for evidence-based practices in clinical care. She further honed her expertise with advanced residency training in ocular disease management at a prominent multi-specialty surgical practice, where she worked alongside specialists in cataract, glaucoma, cornea, oculoplastics, and retina. This comprehensive training provided her with invaluable experience in managing complex ocular conditions. Dr. Zhang’s passion lies in focusing on her patients’ retinal health and is proud to offer innovative treatments like Valeda® PBM therapy to her patients at Colorado Retina Associates.
Schedule a Consultation
If you have been clinically diagnosed with dry-AMD, we encourage you to call us at 303-261-1600 to schedule a consultation with our Valeda® specialist, Dr. Betty Zhang, to learn more and see if you qualify for treatment. You can also inquire with your retina specialist at your next appointment.
