By: Jeffry Gerson, OD, FAAO- Medical Director for the Macular Degeneration Association
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a new treatment that was recently approved (November 2024) by the United States Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for patients with dry age-related degeneration (AMD) to improve vision. PBM uses specific light wavelengths to improve retinal cell function. The Valeda® Light Delivery System (Valeda) delivers multiwavelength PBM treatment across three wavelengths that target distinct targets to improve overall retinal health and disease outcomes. Many physicians and patients are excited that an earlier, non-invasive treatment for dry AMD is now available.
The FDA authorization of Valeda reflects an extensive review of clinical trial data, including safety, efficacy, and the robustness of the study results, all of which support the positive utility of this treatment for patients with dry AMD.
Multiple trials have assessed Valeda’s safety and effectiveness. At Month 24, approximately 63.7% of PBM-treated eyes responded with significant vision gain, of which 20% could see approximately two lines better on the standard eye chart! The trial also noted additional benefits, including reduced disease progression and improved quality of life. Further, the treatment was very safe and required nothing invasive, such as injections or surgery!
Valeda is an in-office treatment device that some eye doctors will have in their offices. Not only is this not a one-time treatment, but, if applied as in the study, patients will need to be treated 9 times over a 3-week period, up to 3 times a year. Each treatment should take less than 10 minutes and is painless and easy!
It is very exciting to have yet another option in the fight against AMD, especially one that can be used earlier than injections. If you are interested, ask your eye care provider if they know of an office with this treatment option!
The Valeda Light Delivery System has been sold to Alcon Pharmaceuticals
For more information, please visit: https://www.myalcon.com/valeda-locator/