Who Is a Candidate for Valeda Light Therapy?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you may have heard about an exciting new treatment called Valeda light therapy. But who exactly is a good candidate for this therapy? Here is what you need to know.
What Is Valeda Light Therapy?
Valeda light therapy uses targeted wavelengths of light to stimulate the retina's cells, supporting their natural repair and energy production processes. The Valeda Light Delivery System is the first and only FDA-authorized light therapy device for treating dry AMD, receiving FDA authorization in November 2024. It is non-invasive, painless, and performed in a clinical setting.
The Ideal Candidate
Valeda light therapy is specifically designed for patients with early to intermediate stage dry AMD. The following criteria generally make someone a strong candidate:
- Diagnosis of early to intermediate dry AMD, characterized by the presence of medium or large drusen (fatty deposits beneath the retina) or noncentral geographic atrophy
- Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) between 20/32 and 20/70, meaning vision that is reduced but not severely impaired
- Absence of neovascular (wet) AMD or center-involving geographic atrophy, as Valeda is not indicated for those conditions
- No prior treatment contraindications as determined by your retina specialist following a comprehensive exam and imaging
Why Early Treatment Matters
Dry AMD is a progressive disease, and starting treatment before significant vision loss occurs offers the greatest opportunity to slow degeneration and support healthy retinal function. In the LIGHTSITE III clinical trial, patients who received Valeda light therapy showed improvements in visual acuity and stabilization of drusen, while those in the placebo group experienced an increase in these deposits. Treated patients also showed a reduced likelihood of progressing to more advanced stages, including wet AMD and geographic atrophy.
Who May Not Be a Candidate
Valeda light therapy with the Valeda system is not intended for patients with:
- Wet (neovascular) AMD
- Center-involving geographic atrophy
- Advanced dry AMD where significant central vision loss has already occurred
If you fall into one of these categories, your retina specialist can discuss alternative treatment options best suited for your condition.
Next Steps
If you have been diagnosed with dry AMD and are curious about whether Valeda is right for you, we invite you to email us at [email protected], call us at 858-451-1911, or fill out our Valeda inquiry form here: https://www.rcsd.com/valeda. We will reach out within 24 hours to guide you through next steps and answer any questions you may have.