Dr. Prema Abraham, Director of the Retina Center at BHREI is excited to introduce this revolutionary new treatment for dry AMD.
Improve vision, slow dry AMD progression, and reduce drusen with this breakthrough treatment.
We have exciting news for patients – a revolutionary new treatment for dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is now available. The FDA has approved Valeda, a cutting-edge photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy, to help manage dry AMD. This treatment, which has been used in Europe for several years, is now ready to improve the lives of patients in the United States.
Clinical trials have demonstrated improvements in vision, reduced drusen deposits, and prevention of geographic atrophy progression with regular treatments. If you or someone you love is experiencing vision loss from dry macular degeneration, we encourage you to explore this groundbreaking therapy.
Dry macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in individuals over the age of 50. As the disease progresses, it leads to atrophy of the retina and the development of blind spots in the central vision, which can grow over time. The impact on daily activities, such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces, can be profound. While lifestyle changes and supplements like those recommended by the AREDS2 study can help slow progression, no treatment has been available to actively restore and protect vision — until now.
Valeda is a unique treatment that uses specific wavelengths of red and infrared light to target the cellular processes involved in dry AMD. By harnessing photobiomodulation (PBM), Valeda stimulates mitochondrial activity, promotes healthy cell metabolism, and reduces inflammation and cell death. This helps to slow the progression of the disease, improve vision, and even reduce drusen, the small yellow deposits that accumulate in the retina.
The Valeda treatment has shown impressive results in clinical trials. In the LIGHTSITE III trial, patients who received PBM treatment demonstrated:
These results are exciting as they provide a means to maintain vision and slow the progression of dry AMD.
Valeda uses a specialized light delivery system to deliver light in the red and infrared spectrum. The treatment is non-invasive, safe, and involves multiple sessions spaced a few days apart.
Valeda is ideal for patients with dry AMD characterized by the presence of drusen or non-central geographic atrophy. The treatment is not suitable for individuals with wet AMD or those experiencing significant vision loss due to central macular atrophy.
If you suffer from dry macular degeneration we encourage you to take advantage of these exciting new advances in medical technology. Contact us today to schedule your Valeda Light Therapy consultation!
PBM is a non-invasive light therapy that stimulates cellular processes in the retina. It helps improve energy production in cells, reducing inflammation and promoting cell survival, which is key in treating dry AMD.
Valeda is typically administered in a series of nine sessions over 3-5 weeks. After the initial series, your retina specialist will schedule you for a repeat cycle of treatments every four months.
Each session of Veleda photobiomodulation takes 20 minutes in a seated position. No further testing or dilation is necessary during the treatment visit.
Valeda light therapy is administered without dilation and does not require any drops or other medication to be administered during your visit.
Valeda does not cure dry AMD, but it helps slow its progression and improve vision, allowing patients to retain their functional vision for a longer period.
Clinical trials have demonstrated a strong safety profile with no significant risks or side effects. Patients with photosensitivity or recent use of photosensitizing agents should consult their physician before starting treatment.
The LightSite III study showed a significant improvement in vision within 5 months, with continued improvement throughout the two-year trial period.
Coverage for Valeda varies by insurance plan. Please contact our office for assistance with benefits verification and payment options.
“Valeda Light Therapy represents a remarkable advancement in managing dry macular degeneration. Our goal is to slow progression, preserve your sight, and help you continue living life on your terms.”
– Dr. Thomas Shane,
Dry Macular Degeneration Specialist and founder of Shane Retina
If you or someone you know is living with dry macular degeneration, contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our team will evaluate your condition and determine if Valeda light therapy is the right treatment option for you. Don’t wait to take control of your vision – we’re here to help!
At the Eye Institute, we are available daily with the newest and best treatment options for macular degeneration in the Black Hills. For further details, or to schedule an appointment, please contact our office.