Valeda Light Therapy for Dry AMD

A Noninvasive, FDA-Authorized Light Treatment for Eligible Early to Intermediate Dry AMD Patients — Now Offered at Retina Consultants San Diego

Retina Consultants San Diego is proud to be the first practice in San Diego to offer noninvasive light therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration with the FDA‑authorized Valeda Light Delivery System.

If you’ve been told to “watch and wait” with vitamins and checkups, Valeda photobiomodulation may offer a way to improve vision and slow progression in early to intermediate dry AMD—without injections or surgery.

Take the next step toward seeing what’s possible by completing the contact form below. Our team will review your information and reach out to discuss candidacy, scheduling, and next steps.

Please be aware that RCSD cannot ensure that communications sent over the Internet are secure. This includes correspondence sent through this form or by email. If you are uncomfortable with such risks, you may contact us by phone instead of using this form.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) and the Valeda Light Delivery System

Retina Consultants San Diego now offers Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBM), an FDA-authorized, non-invasive red-light treatment designed to slow the progression of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

PBM uses low levels of light to stimulate cellular activity and support healthier retinal function. The Valeda Light Delivery System by LumiThera delivers safe, low-intensity light at wavelengths of 590, 660, and 850 nanometers to the retina. This light energy stimulates the mitochondria, enhancing cellular metabolism, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and helping to maintain or improve vision in eyes with early or intermediate dry AMD.

Approved by the FDA in November 2024, Valeda represents a new, scientifically advanced approach to supporting long-term visual health through natural cellular renewal.

Benefits

Clinical trials of PBM with Valeda have shown meaningful vision improvements for many patients with intermediate dry AMD. In the LIGHTSITE III study and related data:

  • A substantial portion of treated eyes gained letters on the eye chart (often more than one full line).
  • Patients showed reduced drusen growth and a lower risk of progressing to advanced stages such as geographic atrophy.
  • Overall visual function and quality of life measures improved compared with sham treatment.

Is It Safe?

PBM has demonstrated a favorable safety profile across multiple clinical studies. Side effects occurred at similar rates in PBM and sham groups, with no evidence of retinal damage or treatment‑related serious adverse events, and no meaningful impact on color vision.

Who Is a Good Candidate?

PBM with Valeda is intended for people with:

  • Early to intermediate dry AMD (not wet AMD)
  • Best‑corrected vision roughly in the 20/32 to 20/70 range
  • Significant drusen and AMD in both eyes
  • Symptoms affecting daily life—reading, driving, recognizing faces, or seeing in dim light

It is not designed for eyes where advanced geographic atrophy already involves the center of vision.

What to Expect from Treatment

Valeda treatments are delivered in-office 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.

Is This Right for You?

For patients with early to intermediate disease who want to be proactive, it represents the first noninvasive, FDA‑authorized treatment designed to improve visual function before permanent loss occurs.

If you’ve been told to “watch and wait” and are looking for more options, scheduling a consultation is the best way to learn whether PBM could help in your specific case. Our retina specialists will examine your eyes, review imaging, and discuss your goals to see if Valeda therapy is appropriate for you.

Please be aware that RCSD cannot ensure that communications sent over the Internet are secure. This includes correspondence sent through this form or by email. If you are uncomfortable with such risks, you may contact us by phone instead of using this form.