Valeda Laser

What is the Valeda laser?

The Valeda Light Delivery System uses a technique called photobiomodulation (PBM), which delivers specific wavelengths of yellow, red, and near-infrared light to the retina. This light-based therapy is designed to improve visual acuity in eligible patients with early or intermediate dry AMD and certain cases of non-central geographic atrophy.

The treatment does not require injections, anesthesia, or direct contact with the eye. Although it's commonly called Valeda laser treatment, the device uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs), rather than a conventional cutting laser.

What conditions can the Valeda laser treat?

Valeda is specifically intended for certain patients with dry age-related macular degeneration, a progressive condition that affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Symptoms may include difficulty reading, recognizing faces, or seeing fine details.

The treatment may be an option for eligible patients with intermediate dry AMD or non-central geographic atrophy. It is not intended to treat wet AMD, nor is it a cure for macular degeneration or a way to restore vision that has already been lost. Regular retinal monitoring and other recommended treatments remain important components of care.

Am I a candidate for treatment with the Valeda laser?

The team at Maryland Eye Care Center will perform a comprehensive eye examination to determine whether treatment with the Valeda laser is appropriate. Eligibility depends on the stage of dry AMD, visual acuity, and specific findings on retinal imaging.

Generally, the treatment is intended for patients whose best-corrected vision falls between 20/32 and 20/70 in the eye being treated, with qualifying drusen or non-central geographic atrophy. The treated eye must not have wet AMD or geographic atrophy involving the center of the macula.

Certain medical conditions, light sensitivities, and medications may also affect eligibility. Your provider at Maryland Eye Care Center can review these factors and explain whether another treatment or monitoring approach is more appropriate.

What can I expect from Valeda laser treatments?

Valeda treatment is noninvasive and does not require injections, anesthesia, or dilating drops during the treatment session. Patients sit at the device while it delivers the prescribed light sequence. The light exposure takes less than five minutes per eye, although the entire office visit may take longer.

Treatment typically involves a series of nine sessions, scheduled three times a week over three to five weeks. The protocol repeats treatment approximately every four months, so patients should be prepared for ongoing visits and follow-up examinations at Maryland Eye Care Center. Most patients can resume normal activities immediately afterward.

Results may vary, and improved vision is not guaranteed. Valeda does not cure dry AMD or replace other recommended eye care. Patients should discuss potential benefits, limitations, safety considerations, and insurance coverage with their eye care provider before beginning treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration, you may benefit from learning more about Valeda photobiomodulation. A personalized evaluation can help determine eligibility and clarify how this treatment may fit into an overall retinal care plan.

Contact Maryland Eye Care Center by phone to schedule an eye examination or request a consultation online today.