Valeda Light Therapy
A new way to protect your vision from dry AMD.
Great Lakes Eye Care now offers the first and only FDA-authorized, non-invasive light therapy for dry age-related macular degeneration.
First & only FDA-authorized therapy for dry AMD
What Is Valeda Light Therapy?
The Valeda Photobiomodulation (PBM) System is an advanced, non-invasive light therapy for patients with dry age-related macular degeneration and overall retinal changes.
It uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity in the retina — helping support energy production in retinal cells and overall visual function.
It represents a new approach to managing retinal health, focused on preserving vision and slowing the progression of retinal disease.
How photobiomodulation works at the cellular level
Backed By Clinical Research
What the studies have shown
5.4
Average letters gained on the eye chart at 13 months vs 3.0 in the sham group
~55%
Of treated eyes gained 5 or more letters — about one full line — by 13 months
5–6%
New geographic atrophy in treated eyes vs 21–24% in the sham group
You may be a candidate if you have…
- Early to intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration
- Early retinal changes, such as drusen
- Gradual central vision changes
- Difficulty with reading, detail work, or contrast sensitivity
While Valeda is intended for dry AMD, off-label use is available for any patient interested in maintaining vision and overall retinal health.
Why patients choose Valeda
- Non-invasive — no injections or surgery
- Designed to support retinal cell function
- May help slow the progression of dry AMD
- Quick, comfortable in-office sessions
- Backed by clinical research in photobiomodulation
How Treatment Works
Simple, comfortable, and in-office
Consultation
Your doctor evaluates your retinal health and lets you know whether Valeda is right for you.
Treatment Series
- Typically 9 sessions over 3–5 weeks
- About 5–10 minutes per eye each session
- You sit comfortably while the device delivers controlled light therapy
Follow-Up Care
Your provider monitors your vision and determines whether additional treatment cycles are appropriate.
What Does It Feel Like?
A relaxing, seated experience
- No pain or discomfort
- No recovery time needed
- Resume normal activities immediately
- A calm, comfortable treatment in our office
What You Should Know
Honest expectations
Valeda is not a cure for macular degeneration, but it is designed to:
- Support retinal health
- Help maintain visual function
- Slow disease progression in appropriate patients
Results vary based on disease stage and individual response.
Publications & Clinical Trials
The evidence, in plain language
A summary of what the research on Valeda photobiomodulation has observed — and what it may mean for patients.
| Outcome / Measure | What Was Observed | What This Means |
|---|---|---|
| Improvements in visual acuity | At 13 months, treated patients gained an average of 5.4 letters vs 3.0 in the sham group. At 24 months, treated eyes maintained a gain of 5+ letters — one line on the standard chart. | Gaining five letters is roughly one line on the eye chart — which can mean reading slightly smaller print, or seeing faces and details a little more clearly in daily life. |
| Share of eyes gaining 5+ letters | About 55% of treated eyes gained 5 or more letters by 13 months. In extension studies, more than 60% retained the benefit after additional treatments. | Over half of patients saw a noticeable, moderate improvement — a realistic outcome, though not everyone will experience large changes. |
| Slowing disease features | New geographic atrophy was significantly lower in treated eyes (5–6% vs 21–24% in sham). Treated eyes showed little to no increase in drusen volume. | Valeda may do more than improve vision temporarily — it may help slow worsening and preserve the structure of the retina over the long term. |
| Duration & treatment pattern | Delivered in cycles — about nine treatments over 3–5 weeks, repeated periodically. Benefit maintained over 24 months, with data now out to 4.5 years in some patients. | This is not a one-and-done treatment. Repeated cycles over time help achieve and keep the benefit — and benefit can persist even through treatment pauses. |
| Safety & side effects | Overall safety was strong, with no serious device-related adverse events. Most side effects were mild and transient, and patient compliance was high. | Patients can have confidence that serious risks are rare. Mild discomfort is possible, but the therapy was well tolerated in studies. |
Insurance & Payment
Making Valeda accessible
Most insurance plans do not currently have an active policy for this treatment, so Valeda Light Therapy is an out-of-pocket expense. We offer flexible payment options — the more you commit to, the more you save.
Pay Per Cycle
$129per eye,
per treatment
per treatment
- 1 treatment cycle
- 9 total treatments
Total Due: $1,161
Pay For 1 Year
$119per eye,
per treatment
per treatment
- 3 treatment cycles
- 27 total treatments
- $1,071 per cycle
Total Due: $3,213
Save $270 vs. paying per cycle
Best Value
Pay For 2 Years
$106per eye,
per treatment
per treatment
- 6 treatment cycles
- 54 total treatments
- $954 per cycle
Total Due: $5,724
Save $1,242 vs. paying per cycle
Prices are per eye, per treatment. Payment is due prior to your initial treatment. Ask our team about the plan that best fits your care.
Ready to get started?
Talk with our team about whether Valeda Light Therapy is right for you and your vision.
Call (269) 428-3300 ext. 175 · M–F 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM