Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that threatens the central vision many people depend on for reading, driving, recognizing faces, and living independently. With a steadily aging population, the prevalence of AMD—particularly the dry form—is rising rapidly. Until recently, treatment options for dry AMD were limited, largely focused on slowing progression rather than improving vision. Enter the Valeda Light Delivery System, an FDA-authorized, non-invasive therapy that uses photobiomodulation (PBM) to stimulate retinal cells, improve cellular health, and potentially restore visual function. For patients diagnosed with dry AMD, this technology offers a proactive, evidence-based approach that goes beyond traditional care methods.
This article explores the science behind the Valeda Light Delivery System, its clinical applications, patient experiences, and what makes it one of the most innovative advancements in ophthalmic care in recent years. Whether you're a patient exploring treatment options or a provider seeking to expand your offerings, understanding the capabilities of Valeda is essential to informed eye health decision-making.
Dry AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for detailed vision. It develops slowly as retinal cells break down and waste materials—specifically drusen—accumulate beneath the retina. These yellow deposits are composed of lipids and proteins that interfere with retinal nutrition and oxygenation, leading to cellular dysfunction and eventual vision loss. The early stage of dry AMD may present with few symptoms, but over time it can severely impair daily life.
Unlike wet AMD, which is marked by abnormal blood vessel growth and rapid vision decline, dry AMD progresses more gradually. However, its long-term impact is equally profound. Patients may notice fading colors, difficulty adapting to low light, and blurring or distortion in their central field of vision. Advanced stages involve geographic atrophy, where large patches of the retina degenerate, leading to significant visual impairment.
Dry AMD accounts for 85 to 90 percent of all AMD cases. Yet until the arrival of devices like the Valeda Light Delivery System, most treatment efforts for dry AMD were centered around lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, and disease monitoring. While these strategies can delay progression, they rarely restore lost function. Patients were often told to wait and watch as their condition slowly worsened. That landscape is changing with the introduction of photobiomodulation.
Photobiomodulation is the use of specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity and promote tissue healing. It works by targeting the mitochondria—the powerhouse of the cell—to enhance energy production and reduce oxidative stress. For the retina, where cellular metabolism is intense and oxidative damage is a constant threat, PBM offers a method of restoring cellular function without drugs or invasive procedures.
The retina has one of the highest metabolic rates in the human body. Its constant exposure to light and oxygen creates an environment where damage accumulates rapidly, particularly in older adults. When mitochondrial function declines, retinal cells become more susceptible to inflammation, atrophy, and death. PBM reverses this decline by activating cytochrome c oxidase, an enzyme in the mitochondrial respiratory chain. This activation leads to increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production—the energy currency of the cell.
Increased ATP levels allow cells to carry out repair functions, bolster antioxidant defenses, and reduce inflammation. For patients with dry AMD, these effects can translate to improved photoreceptor survival, better visual function, and slower disease progression. The Valeda Light Delivery System takes this theoretical promise and makes it a clinical reality.
The Valeda Light Delivery System is the first and only FDA-authorized photobiomodulation therapy for the treatment of dry AMD. Developed by LumiThera, Valeda uses a combination of light wavelengths—yellow (590 nm), red (660 nm), and near-infrared (850 nm)—to penetrate retinal tissue and stimulate cellular repair. Each wavelength is chosen for its unique biological effects, and together they work synergistically to rejuvenate the retina.
Unlike medications or surgery, the Valeda Light Delivery System is entirely non-invasive. Treatment involves sitting comfortably in front of the device while each eye is exposed to the therapeutic light for less than five minutes. The full protocol typically includes nine sessions over a three to five-week period, with repeat cycles recommended every four to six months depending on the patient’s needs.
What sets Valeda apart is not just its safety and convenience, but its clinically validated results. Studies have demonstrated measurable improvements in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and patient-reported visual function. For many patients who had been told their condition was untreatable, Valeda offers a new and empowering option.
Valeda’s effectiveness hinges on its use of three specific light wavelengths, each contributing to retinal restoration in distinct ways. Yellow light at 590 nm has been shown to influence cellular signaling pathways involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. Red light at 660 nm penetrates deeper into tissue and is known to activate mitochondrial enzymes that promote ATP production and reduce inflammation. Near-infrared light at 850 nm penetrates even deeper, enhancing blood flow and oxygen delivery to retinal cells.
This combination creates a cascade of healing processes. Yellow light modulates inflammation, red light boosts energy production, and near-infrared light supports tissue regeneration. Importantly, all of this occurs without generating heat or damaging tissue. Unlike lasers or high-intensity light sources, the Valeda Light Delivery System operates within a non-thermal, low-energy window that is both safe and effective.
Studies in photobiomodulation have consistently shown benefits for neural tissue, including improved nerve conduction, faster recovery after injury, and greater resistance to degenerative changes. The retina, as an extension of the central nervous system, responds particularly well to this kind of therapy. In Valeda’s case, the delivery is targeted, consistent, and optimized for clinical use.
Several clinical trials have evaluated the Valeda Light Delivery System’s impact on dry AMD. In a pivotal multi-center trial, patients received Valeda treatments over a 30-day period and were followed for several months. The results were significant: on average, treated patients improved by one full line on the Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) visual acuity chart, compared to control patients who experienced little or no change.
Beyond visual acuity, improvements were also seen in contrast sensitivity, a measure of how well patients can detect subtle differences in shades and textures. This is especially important in real-world settings, where contrast plays a crucial role in tasks like reading, recognizing faces, or navigating low-light environments.
Patients also reported subjective improvements. Many described clearer vision, better color perception, and reduced reliance on magnifiers or reading glasses. In follow-up interviews, several patients shared that they could once again read small print or see television subtitles that had become blurry before treatment.
The benefits of Valeda appear to be cumulative and repeatable. With maintenance treatments every few months, patients have been able to preserve their gains and, in some cases, improve further. Importantly, no serious adverse events were reported in any of the studies, reinforcing the therapy’s excellent safety profile.
Patients who begin therapy with the Valeda Light Delivery System can expect a smooth and straightforward experience. No injections, no surgery, and no medications are involved. The first step is a comprehensive eye exam to determine eligibility, including retinal imaging, visual acuity testing, and possibly an optical coherence tomography (OCT) scan. Candidates must have a diagnosis of dry AMD without signs of wet or neovascular AMD.
Each treatment session begins with the patient seated comfortably at the device. After removing glasses or contact lenses, the eye is aligned with the machine’s optics. A trained technician or eye care provider will ensure proper positioning. The light therapy lasts less than five minutes per eye and is entirely painless. Most patients describe it as relaxing—some report seeing patterns of color or light during the session, which quickly fade after treatment.
After the session, there is no downtime. Patients can drive, return to work, and resume daily activities immediately. Some may notice a temporary afterimage or brief visual haze, but these effects typically resolve within minutes. The treatment course includes nine sessions spaced over three to five weeks, allowing for ongoing evaluation and adjustment as needed.
The Valeda Light Delivery System is intended for patients with early to intermediate dry AMD. These individuals usually retain visual acuity between 20/32 and 20/70 and exhibit characteristic drusen deposits but have not yet developed central geographic atrophy or progressed to wet AMD. Early intervention offers the best chance of preserving and improving vision.
Patients who are highly motivated to maintain their independence and visual function are excellent candidates. Valeda appeals particularly to those looking for a non-invasive, drug-free solution that fits easily into their lifestyle. Because the therapy is painless, fast, and free from side effects, it suits individuals who might be hesitant about injections or surgical options.
However, not everyone is eligible. Patients with photosensitivity disorders, those taking medications that interact with light (such as certain antibiotics or cancer drugs), or those with active retinal infections may not qualify. Your eye care provider will perform a thorough assessment to ensure safety and appropriateness.
While Valeda offers exciting short-term improvements, its full value lies in long-term disease management. Dry AMD is a chronic condition, and like other chronic diseases, it requires ongoing attention. Fortunately, the Valeda protocol supports repeated treatments every four to six months, allowing patients to sustain their visual gains and possibly further reduce drusen burden.
Between sessions, patients are monitored with regular eye exams and imaging. This helps track changes in retinal structure, identify signs of progression, and fine-tune treatment frequency. Eye care providers may also combine Valeda with other interventions, such as nutritional counseling, antioxidant supplementation, and smoking cessation strategies, to maximize retinal health.
Over time, the goal is to maintain stable vision and delay or prevent the transition to advanced AMD. For many, Valeda becomes a cornerstone of their personalized treatment plan—an empowering, proactive step that preserves quality of life.
In the treatment landscape for dry AMD, there are few options that offer both safety and tangible visual improvement. Most conventional approaches focus on prevention rather than restoration. The Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS and AREDS2) have shown that high-dose antioxidant vitamins can slow progression in certain cases, especially when patients are in intermediate stages. However, these supplements do not reverse existing damage or restore lost vision. They are supportive, not corrective.
Other therapies under investigation include gene therapy, stem cell implantation, and drugs targeting complement pathways. While promising, these approaches are either in early trial phases or carry risks that limit their widespread adoption. Most are invasive, costly, or years away from being available in routine practice.
Valeda, by contrast, is here now. It is accessible, repeatable, and safe. It offers a unique value proposition: improving function with virtually no downside. Unlike pharmacological or surgical options, it doesn’t depend on suppressing a single biochemical target. Instead, it works holistically by energizing the retina’s natural capacity for repair. This makes it compatible with other forms of care and well-suited to integration into routine ophthalmic practice.
Additionally, Valeda is distinct from generic red-light therapy devices available to consumers. These over-the-counter tools lack regulatory approval, standardization, and clinical evidence. They are not designed for the eye and could pose safety risks. Valeda, by contrast, is purpose-built for retinal treatment, with carefully calibrated wavelengths and a delivery system tested in clinical trials.
While statistics and studies provide crucial validation, the most compelling evidence of Valeda’s success comes from the people whose lives it changes. Patients who undergo Valeda therapy often share stories of regaining abilities they thought were lost forever. Some report reading small print again for the first time in years. Others describe returning to hobbies like sewing, gardening, or painting—activities that demand detailed vision and were once too difficult.
For many older adults, the fear of losing vision means more than inconvenience—it means losing independence. Tasks like managing finances, preparing meals, or taking medications become daunting without clear sight. By preserving and in some cases improving vision, Valeda helps patients maintain autonomy, confidence, and social engagement.
One patient, 73 years old and newly diagnosed with intermediate dry AMD, began Valeda treatment hoping only to stop the decline. To her surprise, she noticed sharper images within weeks. Television screens became crisper, and the faces of her grandchildren, previously blurred, came back into focus. These aren’t just clinical milestones—they are quality-of-life transformations.
Providers who offer Valeda also speak of the joy and gratitude expressed by patients. Unlike many chronic conditions that can feel hopeless or irreversible, dry AMD treated with Valeda gives patients a sense of agency. They are no longer passive observers of their own deterioration; they are participants in a treatment that restores control and optimism.
For ophthalmologists and optometrists, incorporating the Valeda Light Delivery System into clinical practice offers both therapeutic and operational benefits. The device is user-friendly, does not require anesthesia or sterile environments, and fits easily into a typical exam room setup. Treatments can be administered by trained technicians under the supervision of a physician, making it a scalable solution for busy clinics.
Reimbursement for Valeda is evolving. While not yet covered by all insurers, the system is gaining traction as more clinical data emerges. Some practices offer Valeda as a cash-pay or bundled service, emphasizing its value in preserving vision and deferring more invasive procedures. Others position it within a concierge or premium service tier, particularly appealing to proactive patients invested in preventive care.
Training and certification for Valeda administration are streamlined, with support provided by LumiThera and affiliated professional networks. Providers receive education on treatment protocols, patient selection, safety precautions, and documentation. As adoption grows, so does the shared knowledge base of best practices, treatment sequencing, and outcome tracking.
Valeda also positions a practice as a leader in cutting-edge care. Offering this advanced therapy can differentiate a clinic from competitors and attract patients seeking the most progressive options. In an era where patients are increasingly health-savvy and research-driven, having the Valeda Light Delivery System on your service menu signals commitment to excellence and innovation.
While the Valeda Light Delivery System is currently approved for dry AMD, the underlying technology has potential applications across a range of retinal and neurological conditions. Research is underway to explore its use in diabetic retinopathy, Leber’s hereditary optic neuropathy, and even traumatic brain injuries. Early results suggest that PBM may benefit any condition where mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation play a central role.
Because PBM is non-invasive and promotes healing without damaging healthy tissue, it could serve as a complementary therapy across multiple specialties. Neurology, dermatology, sports medicine, and regenerative medicine are all areas where photobiomodulation is gaining traction. Valeda may be the beginning of a broader movement in which light becomes a cornerstone of chronic disease management.
The retina, being an extension of the brain, is especially well-suited to light therapy. It’s accessible, highly vascular, and responsive to metabolic stimuli. As more is learned about the mechanisms of PBM—such as gene expression modulation, immune response regulation, and neuroprotection—new indications for Valeda-like devices will likely emerge.
Despite its promise, photobiomodulation is sometimes met with skepticism, largely because of the proliferation of unregulated devices and exaggerated claims online. It’s important to differentiate between evidence-based systems like the Valeda Light Delivery System and unverified consumer gadgets.
One myth is that light therapy is dangerous or damaging to the eye. While certain light exposures, such as ultraviolet or high-energy visible blue light, can indeed be harmful, Valeda uses wavelengths that are well below phototoxic thresholds. The light is carefully controlled to avoid heating tissue or inducing retinal stress. Extensive safety testing and FDA oversight ensure that the therapy is safe for repeated use.
Another misconception is that light therapy is unproven. While early PBM research did suffer from inconsistency, recent trials using standardized protocols have produced reliable, peer-reviewed results. In Valeda’s case, the outcomes are not just statistically significant—they’re clinically meaningful and reported by real patients.
Finally, some believe that light therapy is only useful in early disease stages. While it is true that early intervention yields the best results, Valeda has shown benefit in intermediate stages as well. It is not a cure, but it is a tool—one that can preserve function, delay progression, and improve quality of life even when some damage has already occurred.
At The Retina Partners, we are proud to offer the Valeda Light Delivery System as part of our comprehensive retinal care. Our team is committed to staying at the forefront of innovation, and Valeda represents the perfect blend of safety, science, and patient-centered care. We use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate candidacy, track progress, and personalize treatment plans.
When patients come to our practice for Valeda therapy, they receive more than just light exposure—they receive a thoughtful, integrated approach to eye health. We emphasize education, engagement, and empowerment. Our staff takes the time to explain each step of the process, answer questions, and support patients throughout their treatment journey.
We believe that patients should never feel helpless in the face of a chronic disease like AMD. With technologies like Valeda, they can act. They can intervene early. They can preserve the vision that connects them to the people and experiences they love. That’s not just good medicine—it’s meaningful progress.
Bringing Valeda Light Delivery System Closer to Home: Serving Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, and Culver City
Accessibility to cutting-edge treatment is just as important as the technology itself. At The Retina Partners, we’re proud to offer the Valeda Light Delivery System to patients throughout the Greater Los Angeles area, with convenient locations and services that make this transformative therapy available in Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, and Culver City.
For residents of Santa Monica, our coastal clinic offers an easy, relaxed environment where patients can receive Valeda treatment just minutes from home. Whether you're walking in from the Promenade or commuting from nearby neighborhoods like Brentwood or Pacific Palisades, our team ensures your treatment experience is smooth, professional, and efficient.
In Thousand Oaks, we serve a growing community of retirees and aging adults who are increasingly proactive about vision health. This area is known for its active lifestyle and strong commitment to wellness, making Valeda a natural fit. Our Thousand Oaks patients appreciate the ability to access advanced retinal care without needing to travel deep into Los Angeles for every appointment.
Culver City patients benefit from our centrally located facility that’s easily accessible from surrounding Westside and Mid-City neighborhoods. With its mix of creative professionals, aging boomers, and health-conscious residents, Culver City is home to many who value proactive, non-invasive solutions to age-related conditions like dry AMD. Valeda treatment fits perfectly into this mindset—effective, evidence-based, and designed for people who want to stay ahead of their health.
No matter which community you’re from, The Retina Partners delivers consistent, personalized care. We understand the logistics and limitations our patients face, and we’ve designed our practice to make world-class retina care—like the Valeda Light Delivery System—available without hassle. It’s not just about having access to technology; it’s about making sure the people who need it most can actually use it. That’s what we offer in Santa Monica, Thousand Oaks, and Culver City.
Expanding Access to Valeda in Encino and Valencia
At The Retina Partners, our commitment to accessible, high-quality retinal care extends beyond the technology—we bring the Valeda Light Delivery System directly to communities like Encino and Valencia, ensuring that patients across Los Angeles County have a local path to better vision.
In Encino, our location serves a diverse and growing population in the San Fernando Valley, where aging adults and active retirees are looking for effective, non-invasive options to manage dry age-related macular degeneration. The convenience of local access to Valeda treatment means patients can complete their therapy sessions without long commutes or interruptions to their daily routine. Surrounded by wellness-oriented communities like Tarzana, Sherman Oaks, and Woodland Hills, Encino has become a hub for proactive eye care—Valeda fits naturally into that philosophy.
Further north in Valencia, our office serves patients from the Santa Clarita Valley and surrounding areas, where rapid development and a strong healthcare infrastructure make it an ideal place to receive advanced ophthalmic treatments. Known for its family-friendly neighborhoods and quality-of-life focus, Valencia offers residents access to cutting-edge therapies like the Valeda Light Delivery System without the need to drive into central Los Angeles. Whether patients are coming from Newhall, Saugus, or Canyon Country, our team ensures the entire treatment process is convenient, professional, and tailored to each individual’s needs.
By offering Valeda in both Encino and Valencia, The Retina Partners helps bridge the gap between groundbreaking medical innovation and the communities who need it most. We're not just providing state-of-the-art retinal care—we’re bringing it closer to home, making it easier than ever for patients in the Valley and beyond to protect and preserve their vision for the future.
The Valeda Light Delivery System marks a turning point in how we approach dry age-related macular degeneration. For too long, patients have been told to wait and watch as their vision fades. With Valeda, that narrative is changing. Patients now have access to a treatment that is safe, evidence-based, and capable of improving visual function.
By harnessing the power of photobiomodulation, Valeda energizes the retina’s natural healing capacity. It addresses the root mechanisms of disease—oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction—rather than simply treating symptoms. It offers hope not just for stability, but for improvement.
For patients with dry AMD, the choice is no longer limited to vitamins and vigilance. There is now a proactive path forward—one guided by light. At The Retina Partners, we’re proud to walk that path with every patient who entrusts us with their care.
If you or someone you love is facing dry AMD, don’t wait until vision is lost. Schedule a consultation, explore your options, and consider the potential of the Valeda Light Delivery System. Your eyes deserve every advantage modern medicine can offer. Let light lead the way.
