Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the commonest cause of blind registration in developed countries including UK. It is a disease which effects the central area of the back of eye which is called macula. It causes loss of central vision while your peripheral vision is unaffected. You are not able to see fine details, whether you are looking at something close or far.

Treatment offered for Dry Age Related Macular Degeneration

There was no specific treatment available for dry AMD apart from advice regarding dietary supplements and lifestyle adjustments till recently, but now we have treatments available both for early/intermediate dry AMD and for AMD with geographic atrophy. 

The Valeda Light Delivery System (LDS) is the only US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved treatment available for early/intermediate dry AMD. This treatment was approved by FDA in November 2024. LIGHTSITE III study showed that more than 58% of patients of dry AMD treated with Valeda Light Delivery System gained 5 or more letters, 19% of patients gained 10 or more letters and 5.5% of patients 15 or more letters of vision. 

How Does Valeda Light Therapy Work?

Valeda Light Therapy works by a process called Photobiomodulation. Photobiomodulation is a process in which specific light wavelengths are used to improve the function of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Different wavelengths of LED light are used to target cells and stimulate their activity to slow down the degenerative process.

A typical treatment cycle consists of nine light treatment sessions with Valeda Light Delivery System over three to four week period. Treatment cycles ideally need to be repeated three times a year to maintain the effect

Find out more (About Photobiomodulation | LumiThera US) 

Who is suitable for Valeda Light Therapy?

Patients with dry AMD having mild to moderate visual loss due to dry age related macular degeneration and those at a high risk of developing geographic atrophy may be suitable for the Valeda Light Therapy if they meet certain treatment eligibility criteria.

Every patient will need detailed tests with all the latest retinal scanning technology and a consultation to confirm if you would benefit from Valeda Light Therapy. If you are eligible and after a detailed discussion about your diagnosis, a personalised treatment plan will be devised before the treatment is initiated.

Who may not be suitable for Valeda Light Therapy?

If you have any known photosensitivity to yellow light, red light or near-infrared radiation, or if you have a history of light activated central nervous system disorders (e.g., epilepsy, migraine) than you should refrain from having this therapy.

In addition, patients should not receive Valeda light therapy within 30 days of using topical or injectable photosensitizing agents unless first discussed.

How is Valeda Light Therapy administered?

This treatment is administered in a clinical setting using a specialised light delivery system called Valeda.

Patients usually undergo three blocks of treatment each year. Each treatment block aims to slow down the progression of dry AMD.

On the day of the treatment

• if you wear glasses or contact lenses, you will need to remove them before the Valeda treatment.
• no dilation of the eyes is required for the Valeda treatment.
• the treatment typically taking less than 5 minutes in each eye. You will be comfortably seated in front of the Valeda Light Delivery System for the procedure.
• following treatment you may have an after image lasting couple of minutes but it completely settles quickly in almost all.
• you can readily engage in regular activities without any hindrance following treatment

The Results of Valeda & Potential Side Effects

Results

Treatment with Valeda improves overall visual function, including improvement in vision when scored on the eyechart and improved detailed vision. Photographic imaging also shows improvement in scans of the eye when assessed for drusen (protein deposits that are observed in the diseased eye).

LIGHTSITE III study showed that more than 58% of patients of dry AMD treated with Valeda Light Delivery System gained 5 or more letters, 19% of patients gained 10 or more letters and 5.5% of patients 15 or more letters of vision.

Side Effects

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a low-level light based therapy that helps cells improve their function. PBM has been used in many different diseases and disorders for decades with a positive safety profile. Valeda is designed to be eye safe. There have been no treatment related side effects noted in previous studies with the Valeda treatment.

Treatment offered for Wet Age Related Macular Degeneration

All Private Eye Surgery consultants (Mr Majid, Mr Hasan and MrAftab) have a special interest in wet age related macular degeneration (ARMD) and have extensive experience in treating this sight threatening disease.

Mr Majid and Mr Aftab are one of the few ophthalmologists in UK who have done Fellowship in both medical and surgical retina.

He has extensive experience in treating this sight threatening disease. He set up the first ARMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) treatment centre in Humberside, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire in 2002. 

Mr Aftab underwent sub specialist training in medical and surgical retina from ‘Centre for Eye Research Australia’ and ‘Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital’ in Melbourne and Mr Majid underwent sub specialist training in medical and surgical retina from ‘Bristol Eye Hospital’ in Bristol.

Mr Aftab set up the first ARMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) treatment centre in Humberside, Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire in 2002.

In the NHS the treatment of wet ARMD is not available until the vision goes down to 6/12 in the affected eye. As per DVLA (Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency) regulations one needs a vision around 6/12 with both eyes open to be legally allowed to drive. Private Eye Surgery consultants offer treatment of wet AMD even when the vision is better than 6/12 and this has been shown to be the best practice. A vast majority of patients who had their treatment of wet AMD started before their vision deteriorated to 6/12 maintained better than 6/12 vision i.e. have maintained driving vision.

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