What Is Valeda® Treatment?
Valeda® is an FDA-approved and CE-marked photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy designed for patients with early and intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration (dry AMD).
The treatment uses carefully controlled wavelengths of low-level light that are harmless to the eye to stimulate retinal cells and support their energy production. The goal is to help retinal cells function more efficiently, support visual function, and help slow the progression of the disease.
Valeda treatment is non-surgical, needle-free, painless, and does not involve lasers.
Who Is a Candidate for Valeda Treatment?
Valeda treatment may be suitable for patients with:
- Early dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Intermediate dry AMD
- Retinal drusen
- Decreasing visual quality before advanced disease develops
Not every patient with macular degeneration is a suitable candidate.
Patients with:
- Advanced dry AMD (Geographic Atrophy)
- Wet AMD
- Certain other retinal diseases
require a comprehensive retinal examination and OCT evaluation to determine whether Valeda treatment is appropriate.
How Does Valeda Work?
Valeda does not regenerate damaged retinal tissue.
Instead, it is designed to support the function of existing retinal cells through photobiomodulation.
The treatment aims to:
- Enhance mitochondrial energy production
- Reduce cellular stress
- Help decrease oxidative damage
- Support retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells
- Improve photoreceptor function
- Help reduce retinal inflammation
As a result, some patients may experience:
- Improved visual acuity
- Better contrast sensitivity
- Improved reading performance
- Enhanced quality of life
How Is Valeda Treatment Performed?
Valeda treatment is simple and comfortable.
The patient sits comfortably in front of the device while the therapeutic light is delivered.
During treatment:
- No eye drops for anesthesia are required.
- No injections are given.
- No surgery is performed.
- No hospital stay is needed.
- The procedure is painless.
Patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately after each session.
Standard Valeda Treatment Protocol
The internationally accepted treatment protocol consists of:
- Three treatment sessions per week
- For three consecutive weeks
- A total of nine treatment sessions
Each session lasts approximately 5 minutes.
Accelerated Valeda Treatment
For international patients or those unable to remain in İzmir for three weeks, an accelerated treatment schedule may be offered when appropriate.
In this protocol, treatment sessions are performed every other day, allowing the complete course to be finished in approximately 18 days.
The total light dose is identical to the standard protocol. Although similar effectiveness is expected in suitable patients, the most appropriate treatment schedule is determined by the retina specialist after a comprehensive examination.
What Tests Are Performed Before Treatment?
A detailed retinal evaluation is performed before treatment.
This may include:
- Comprehensive eye examination
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT)
- OCT Angiography (when necessary)
- Color fundus photography
- Visual acuity testing
Additional retinal imaging may be recommended in selected patients.
How Effective Is Valeda Treatment?
Every patient has a different stage of disease and retinal condition, so results may vary.
The primary goals of treatment are to:
- Help preserve existing vision
- Support retinal function
- Improve visual performance
- Help slow disease progression
Some patients experience measurable improvements in vision, while for others, maintaining their current level of vision is considered a successful outcome.
Is Valeda Treatment Safe?
Valeda is a non-invasive treatment with an excellent safety profile.
- No eye injections
- No retinal laser treatment
- No burning or damage to retinal tissue
- No radiation exposure
When performed in appropriate candidates, Valeda is considered a very safe treatment.
How Many Times Is Valeda Treatment Performed?
The initial treatment course consists of nine sessions.
Depending on retinal findings, additional treatment cycles may be recommended months or years later.
The decision for repeat treatment is made by the retina specialist based on clinical examination and OCT findings.
What Is the Cost of Valeda Treatment?
Please contact our hospital for current treatment pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Valeda treatment painful?
No. The treatment is completely painless.
Are eye injections required?
No.
Valeda treatment does not involve injections into the eye.
Is hospitalization necessary?
No.
The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately afterward.
How long does each session take?
Each treatment session lasts approximately 5 minutes.
When Will I Notice the Results?
Some patients notice improvements within the first few weeks.
For most patients, however, the benefits become more apparent over the following months.
Will Valeda Restore My Vision Completely?
No.
Valeda is not designed to regenerate lost retinal tissue. Instead, it supports the function of existing retinal cells, helps preserve vision, and may improve visual performance in suitable patients.
Is the Accelerated Treatment Protocol Safe?
Yes, when recommended for appropriate patients.
The accelerated protocol delivers the same total light dose as the standard treatment schedule. The retina specialist will determine which protocol is most suitable after your examination.
