Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of vision loss for adults over 60, and until recently, dry AMD had no approved treatment beyond nutritional supplements and routine monitoring.
At Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare, our mission is your vision, and that mission now includes Valeda, the first FDA-authorized light therapy designed to help slow the progression of dry AMD and support long-term eye health.
What Is the Valeda Light Delivery System?
The Valeda Light Delivery System is a non-invasive medical device that delivers photobiomodulation therapy directly to the retina. It uses three specific wavelengths of light, amber, red, and near-infrared, to stimulate activity inside retinal cells. In 2024, the FDA authorized Valeda as the first treatment option specifically for dry AMD, giving patients and eye doctors a new option beyond supplements and observation alone.
What is Dry AMD?
Age-related macular degeneration affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision needed for reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
Dry AMD accounts for the majority of macular degeneration cases and develops as small deposits called drusen build up beneath the retina, gradually thinning the tissue over time. Vision loss with dry AMD tends to be slow and progressive, unlike wet AMD, which can cause more sudden changes.
While there is no cure for dry AMD, regular eye exams allow for earlier detection, giving patients more time to explore treatment options like Valeda before significant vision loss occurs.
How Does Valeda Work?
Valeda works through a process called photobiomodulation, which uses light to stimulate the mitochondria inside retinal cells. Mitochondria are the energy centers of the cell, and when they receive this light stimulation, they produce more energy and support healthier cell function over time.
This process can help reduce inflammation and support the retina’s ability to maintain itself as AMD progresses.
Each treatment session takes less than 10 minutes and does not require pupil dilation. The light is delivered through an open or closed eyelid, and the process is painless. Some patients notice a brief afterimage similar to looking at a bright light, which fades quickly and is not a sign of harm to the eye.
What to Expect During a Valeda Appointment
Most Valeda visits begin with a brief check-in and, if needed, a quick review of any vision changes since the last appointment. The treatment itself requires no anesthesia, no eye drops, and no dilation, so there is nothing to prepare in advance. Because the process is so quick and non-invasive, patients do not need to arrange a ride home afterward.
Is Valeda Right for Me?
Valeda is designed for patients with early to intermediate dry AMD, particularly those with mild to moderate vision impairment. However, candidacy is determined after a comprehensive eye exam and diagnosis from a retinal specialist.
Patients with more advanced forms of dry AMD may not be candidates for this treatment, though your eye doctor can discuss other options that may be available. During a consultation, your eye doctor at Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare reviews your vision history, current diagnosis, and treatment goals to determine whether Valeda fits into a care plan for your eyes.
What Does the Full Course of Valeda Treatment Look Like?
Valeda is not a one-time treatment. It follows a structured schedule designed to build on results over time.
Initial course: Nine sessions completed over three to four weeks, usually three sessions per week.
Session length: Each visit takes less than 10 minutes, so most patients return to daily activities the same day.
Maintenance: After the initial course, many patients continue with periodic sessions a few times a year to help sustain results.
Long-term outcomes: Clinical trials show patients who completed multiple courses over several months to years experienced continued benefits, suggesting that staying on schedule with sessions supports long-term outcomes.
Sticking to this schedule gives patients the best chance at seeing lasting results from treatment.
Why Choose Fichte for Valeda Treatment?
At Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare, we strive to provide top-notch eye care in a comfortable, professional atmosphere. Our eye doctors and staff are experts in their field, trained in the latest techniques and procedures, and our world-class facility offers the best technology available for all your eye care needs, including Valeda.
FAQs About Valeda
Want to Learn Whether Valeda Might Be Right for You?
Clear central vision plays a part in nearly everything, from reading to recognizing a familiar face across the room. Dry AMD can slowly erode that clarity, but with early detection and the right treatment plan, patients have more options than ever to protect their sight.
Call Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare in Buffalo, NY, at 1-800-309-2020 and ask for a Valeda Laser evaluation, or schedule an appointment online here to find out whether Valeda could be part of a personalized plan for long-term eye health.
