What is Valeda™ Light Therapy?
Be Eye Wise and know that Valeda™ is the first and only FDA-authorized treatment for dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), using a painless light-based technology called photobiomodulation (PBM) to stimulate and restore the health of retinal cells in the back of the eye. By delivering precise wavelengths of low-level light, Valeda™ works to reduce the drusen deposits that drive vision loss in dry AMD, helping patients improve and maintain their vision without injections, surgery, or downtime.
Now Available at Northwest Eye — The First Practice in the Twin Cities Metro to Offer This Breakthrough Treatment
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), there is new hope. Northwest Eye is proud to be the first eye care practice in the Twin Cities Metro area to offer the Valeda™ Light Delivery System — a clinically proven, FDA-authorized light therapy designed to improve and maintain vision for patients living with dry AMD.
No shots. No surgery. No downtime. Just light working for your eyes.
What is Dry AMD?
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 50. It affects the macula — the part of the retina responsible for the sharp, central vision you rely on every day for reading, driving, and recognizing faces.
In dry AMD, small yellow protein deposits called drusen accumulate beneath the retina. As drusen build up, they interfere with retinal cell function, causing the cells to thin and deteriorate over time. Left untreated, dry AMD can progress to advanced stages and result in permanent vision loss.
Dry AMD typically progresses in three stages:
- Early AMD: Small drusen form beneath the retina. Vision is usually not affected at this stage.
- Intermediate AMD: Larger drusen develop and pigment changes occur in the retina. Some patients notice subtle vision changes.
- Advanced AMD: Retinal cells deteriorate and may die, leading to geographic atrophy and significant, irreversible vision loss.
Until now, there has been no FDA-authorized treatment to actively improve vision in dry AMD patients. That has changed.
Introducing Valeda™ – A New Light to Fight AMD
The Valeda™ Light Delivery System is the first and only FDA-authorized treatment proven to actively improve and maintain visual function in patients with dry AMD.
Valeda™ uses a process called photobiomodulation (PBM) — the application of low-level, multi-wavelength light at specific frequencies that penetrate the retina and stimulate the cells responsible for your vision. Think of it as a cellular energy boost: the light activates key proteins within the mitochondria of retinal cells, restoring their ability to clear waste, reduce inflammation, and function the way healthy cells should.
The result? Less drusen. Better retinal health. And for many patients — better vision.
In the landmark LIGHTSITE III clinical trial:
- Zero reports of phototoxicity or serious adverse events related to the treatment across three clinical trial
- 84% of patients improved or maintained their vision at approximately 2 years compared to baseline
- More than 60% of patients experienced at least one line of vision improvement on the eye chart at about 2 years
What to Expect During Valeda™ Treatment
Valeda™ treatment is comfortable, fast, and requires no preparation on your part. Here’s how it works:
During Your Visit You’ll be seated comfortably in front of the Valeda™ device. Our team will guide you through each step. Each session takes less than 5 minutes per eye — and then you’re on your way. No dilation required. No anesthesia. No needles. No surgery.
Your Treatment Schedule Valeda™ is administered in a series of treatment cycles over two years, following the protocol proven most effective in clinical studies:
- Each cycle consists of 9 treatment sessions delivered over 3–5 weeks
- Cycles are repeated every 4 months
- A full two-year course includes 6 cycles and 54 total treatments
This consistent, ongoing approach is what allows Valeda™ to deliver lasting improvement and help protect your sight over time.
Is Valeda™ Right for You?
Valeda™ is designed for patients who have been diagnosed with early to intermediate dry AMD with some degree of visual impairment. The earlier treatment begins, the greater the opportunity to protect and enhance your visual function.
Ideal candidates have:
- A diagnosis of dry AMD with the presence of medium or large drusen
- Best-corrected visual acuity in the range of 20/32 to 20/70
- No neovascular (wet) AMD or central geographic atrophy
Valeda™ is not recommended for patients with wet AMD or advanced central macular atrophy.
The best way to find out if Valeda™ is right for you is to schedule an evaluation with one of our retina specialists. Our team will perform a comprehensive examination and review your imaging to determine whether you’re a good candidate for this therapy.
Not sure if you have AMD? Common early signs include blurred or distorted central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, and straight lines appearing wavy or bent. If you’ve noticed any of these changes, don’t wait — schedule an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does Valeda™ hurt? Not at all. Valeda™ is completely painless. You simply sit comfortably in front of the device while gentle light is delivered to your eyes. Most patients describe the experience as easy and stress-free.
Q: How long does each treatment session take? Each session takes less than 5 minutes per eye. You can return to your normal activities immediately after — there is no downtime.
Q: Is Valeda™ safe? Yes. Valeda™ has an excellent safety record backed by multiple clinical trials. No phototoxicity or serious adverse events related to the treatment were reported across three LIGHTSITE clinical trials. It is dilation-free, anesthesia-free, speculum-free, and injection-free.
Q: Will I notice an improvement in my vision? Many patients do experience meaningful improvement. In the LIGHTSITE III trial, more than 60% of treated patients gained at least one line of vision on the eye chart at approximately two years. Results vary by patient and are influenced by the stage of AMD and how early treatment is initiated.
Q: Does Valeda™ cure AMD? Valeda™ is not a cure for AMD, as dry AMD is a chronic, progressive condition. However, it is the first and only FDA-authorized treatment proven to actively improve and maintain vision in dry AMD patients — a significant breakthrough in a disease that previously had no such option.
Q: Is Valeda™ covered by insurance? Currently, most insurance plans do not have an established coverage policy for Valeda™. We offer flexible self-pay options and financing to make this important treatment accessible. Please contact our team to discuss payment options that work for you.
Q: What happens after treatment ends? The clinical studies indicate that treatment benefit may not persist significantly after Valeda™ treatments are stopped. For this reason, maintaining the recommended treatment schedule over the full two-year course is strongly encouraged.
Q: Can I still take my AREDS2 vitamins while doing Valeda™? Yes. Valeda™ is used alongside your existing AMD management plan, including nutritional supplements like AREDS2. Your doctor will review your full health picture at your evaluation.
Don’t Wait. Protect Your Vision Today
Dry AMD progresses silently — often before patients notice significant vision changes. The earlier Valeda™ treatment begins, the greater the opportunity to preserve and improve your sight. As the first practice in the Twin Cities Metro to offer this breakthrough therapy, Northwest Eye is ready to help you take the next step.
Want to learn more? Read our blog to dive deeper into how Valeda™ works and what it means for patients with dry AMD or schedule a consultation with our team today to find out if Valeda™ is right for you. Call (763) 416-7600 to learn more.
