As part of my commitment to supporting your long-term Vision Healthspan, I always want to keep you informed about the latest, life-changing breakthroughs in eye care.
For years, patients diagnosed with the early or intermediate stages of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were given few options. Unlike the later “wet” stages of the disease, which have effective medical treatments, patients with dry AMD were advised to watch, wait, and take eye vitamins.
Today, that narrative is changing.
A Historic Milestone: The First FDA-Approved Treatment for Dry AMD
The FDA has officially authorized Valeda®, making it the first and only approved treatment designed to actually improve vision and slow down the progression of early-to-intermediate dry macular degeneration.
Dry AMD is a progressive condition that causes the light-sensitive cells in the retina to slowly break down, blurring the crisp central vision we need for reading, recognizing faces, and seeing fine details. Because it typically hits individuals in their 60s, finding an early intervention before irreversible tissue damage occurs is vital for maintaining independence as we age.
How Valeda Works: Cellular Energy via Light Therapy
Valeda is a non-invasive medical device that utilizes Photobiomodulation (PBM)—a sophisticated form of low-intensity light therapy. The treatment involved 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks repeated three times per year for two years (54 total applications in six courses over two years).
- The Science: Valeda uses low-intensity wavelengths of light that safely pass into the eye without causing heat or tissue damage.
- The Cellular Boost: It targets the disease at the cellular level by stimulating the mitochondria (the “powerhouses” of your retinal cells). This enhances cellular energy (ATP) production, helping aging cells survive, heal, and function better.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine, which evaluated cohorts of 27 participants (41 eyes), showed that PBM treatment with Valeda improved multiple aspects of visual function in patients with earlier-stage dry AMD who have good vision. The LIGHTSITE III study had 98 participants (145 eyes) who showed stable or improved vision at 1-2 years without any phototoxicity.
While these findings add to the growing evidence supporting the benefits of early intervention and show a strong benefit-to-risk profile with no reported adverse effects, further evaluations are needed to monitor long-term impacts. Valeda® offers a hopeful breakthrough for early-stage dry macular degeneration.
Where to Find Valeda Treatment
While we do not provide the Valeda light therapy system here at Eye Doctor MD, P.C., we want to make sure you know exactly where to go to learn more about this treatment.
If you are looking for a certified Valeda PBM provider in Virginia, you can reach out to the Wagner Kapoor Institute. Learn more about their specific Valeda services and schedule a specialized evaluation by visiting their website directly: Wagner Kapoor Institute – Valeda Services. Our local retina specialist, Dr. Jessica Randolph, formerly at VCU, is now working with Wagner Kapoor Institute at their Hampton location.
You can also look for other doctors who offer these services on the https://www.myalcon.com/valeda-locator/
Your Vision Healthspan Starts with Prevention
While breakthroughs like Valeda are incredibly exciting, the absolute best way to protect your vision is to catch changes before you even notice a symptom.
Take a proactive step for your eyes and your body:
- Schedule your annual eye exam: If it has been a year since your last visit, call us today at (804) 270-3333 to book your comprehensive checkup with Dr. Pradhan.
- Nourish your whole self: Remember that your eyes are a direct reflection of your body. We always encourage you to nurture your overall wellness through the lifestyle pillars of medicine including proper nutrition with whole food (unprocessed) plant-predominant diets, daily movement, restorative sleep, and strong social connections, along with avoiding stress and toxic substances like smoking and alcohol.
Do you have a friend, neighbor, or family member struggling with dry macular degeneration? Please feel free to share this blog to them. Sharing this information could be the first step toward saving their sight and preserving their quality of life.