Discover the breakthrough of the Valeda Light Delivery System
What is Dry AMD and Why It Matters
Dry AMD is the most common form of macular degeneration, responsible for around nine out of ten cases of AMD. It involves gradual thinning and dysfunction of the macula (the central part of the retina), leading to central vision loss. Because the onset is often silent, early detection and careful management are critical.
At Oracle Opticians we believe in championing your eye health — not just your vision correction — and early intervention plays a key role in preserving sight for longer.
What the Valeda Light Delivery System Offers Patients
The Valeda Light Delivery System (by LumiThera, Inc.) is a non-invasive therapy for dry AMD using photobiomodulation (PBM): targeted light in specific wavelengths (590 nm, 660 nm and 850 nm) to stimulate the retina’s cells and improve their function. (retina-specialist.com)
Here’s a summary of what the evidence is showing:
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In the pivotal randomised controlled trial (LIGHTSITE III), patients with early/intermediate dry AMD treated with Valeda showed improved best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) compared with sham (gain of ~5.4 letters vs ~3.0 letters at 13 months). (Lippincott Journals)
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The trial also showed a statistically significant reduction in onset of new geographic atrophy (GA) lesions in the treated group (p = 0.024). (Lippincott Journals)
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Subsequent extension data from the LIGHTSITE IIIB trial (up to 4.5 years follow-up) show sustained benefit: more than 60 % of treated eyes maintaining a vision benefit of one line or more. (Optometry Times)
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In November 2024 the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) authorised the Valeda device for marketing in the U.S. for treatment of non-neovascular (“dry”) AMD, making it the first such authorised device in this space. (modernretina.com)
What this means for patients:
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There is now a treatment option that may improve vision in dry AMD, rather than simply monitoring or waiting for disease progression.
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Because it is non-invasive and uses light therapy rather than injections, it offers a gentler pathway for eligible patients.
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Early intervention appears to correlate with better outcomes — this is most beneficial in earlier stages of dry AMD before advanced damage.
Important : It Is Not a Magic Bullet
While the Valeda system is a significant advance, it is not a cure for dry AMD. Patients and carers should understand the following:
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It does not guarantee restoration of perfect vision — the average gain is modest (~1 line on a standard eye-chart) and results vary. (Optometry Times)
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It is most effective in early or intermediate dry AMD. Patients with advanced geographic atrophy, or neovascular (wet) AMD, were excluded from the main trials, and the safety and efficacy are not established in these groups. (FDA Access Data)
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It requires an ongoing treatment regime, follow-up and monitoring — it is part of a broader vision-preservation strategy, not a one-time fix.
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As with all interventions in eye health, lifestyle factors, regular monitoring, correct supplementation (where indicated) and prompt treatment of any changes remain vitally important.
Key Guidance for Patients with Dry AMD
At Oracle Opticians we recommend the following as your action plan:
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Book a full retinal/macular review with your optometrist — especially if you have been told you have drusen, pigment changes, or early signs of dry AMD.
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Consider whether you may be eligible for Valeda therapy (after clinical assessment and discussion of stage, suitability and expectations).
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Adopt lifestyle measures known to support eye health:
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A diet rich in leafy greens, fish, and low in saturated fat.
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Avoid smoking (a major risk factor for AMD progression).
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Protect your eyes from UV light and high-energy visible (HEV) blue light where possible.
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Maintain regular exercise and healthy body weight.
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Take recommended supplementation (if advised) such as those following the AREDS2 formula for appropriate patients.
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Attend regular monitoring – especially for signs of progression to wet AMD (which needs urgent treatment) or expanding geographic atrophy.
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If you notice any sudden visual change (distortion, new dark patches, sudden blurring) – contact your eye care professional immediately.
Why We Specialise in Macula Care & Offer Valeda
At Oracle Opticians we have a focused macular-care pathway. We believe that preserving your central vision is as important as correcting your refractive error. We are specialists in managing macular degeneration, and are proud to offer the Valeda Light Delivery System treatment at our bricks-and-mortar practice in Shipley, West Yorkshire.
If you suffer from dry AMD or know someone who does, please get in touch:
📞 Call: 01274 019 892
View more information on our website at https://www.oracleopticians.com/valeda-lds
Visit us at our practice or book a macular screening and treatment consultation.
Your sight is precious — early intervention, expert care and modern treatment options like Valeda give new hope, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
