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Retinal Disorders

Valeda PBM

A New Treatment Option for Dry Macular Degeneration

For years, patients diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were told there was little to do beyond monitoring the condition and taking vitamin supplements. That has changed.

Sierra Nevada Eye Center now offers Valeda™ Photobiomodulation (PBM), the first FDA-authorized light therapy treatment designed to improve and maintain vision in patients with dry AMD. Valeda is completely non-invasive, no injections, no surgery, no downtime.

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What Is Valeda PBM?

Valeda uses three specific wavelengths of light, yellow, red, and near-infrared, to stimulate the retina’s cells and support their energy production.

In dry AMD, retinal cells can become damaged over time from oxidative stress, inflammation, and declining mitochondrial function. Valeda is designed to help those cells work more efficiently, which may help preserve, and in some cases improve, vision.

  • 590 nm (yellow light) — supports blood flow and oxygenation
  • 660 nm (red light) — stimulates cellular metabolism, reduces inflammation
  • 850 nm (near-infrared light) — supports mitochondrial function and cellular energy production

What the Research Shows

Valeda’s clinical data comes from the LIGHTSITE III trial, one of the largest studies of light therapy for dry AMD. Reported results include:

  • 84% of treated patients maintained or improved vision at approximately two years
  • Over 60% gained at least one line of vision on the eye chart
  • No serious treatment-related adverse events reported

Emerging research also suggests Valeda may help slow drusen buildup and disease progression in earlier-stage dry AMD.

What to Expect

Valeda is performed right in our office. A typical treatment course is:

  • 9 sessions, delivered over roughly 3–5 weeks
  • Each session takes about 20 minutes and involves no pain, no dilation, and no recovery time
  • Treatment courses are generally repeated every 4 months, based on your doctor’s recommendation

Most patients return to their normal routine immediately after each visit.

Is Valeda Right for You?

Valeda tends to work best for patients with:

  • Early or intermediate dry AMD
  • Non-central geographic atrophy
  • Noticeable changes to central vision, reading vision, or contrast sensitivity

Valeda is not appropriate for every stage of AMD, a comprehensive retinal evaluation at Sierra Nevada Eye Center is the best way to find out if you’re a candidate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does Valeda treatment hurt?

No. Patients simply sit comfortably while the device delivers light to the retina. Most describe it as relaxing.

Is Valeda covered by insurance?

Valeda is not currently covered by insurance. Ask our office about payment options.

How soon will I notice a difference?

Some patients notice changes within the first few sessions, though results vary by individual and disease stage.

Do I need to have my eyes dilated?

No. Valeda sessions do not require pupil dilation.

Protect Your Vision

If you’ve been diagnosed with dry AMD, or you’ve noticed blurring, distortion, or changes in your central vision, don’t wait to have it evaluated. Contact Sierra Nevada Eye Center to learn whether Valeda PBM may be right for you.

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775-841-2000