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About Valeda® — A Light-Based Treatment for Dry AMD
For many years, dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has presented a significant challenge in eye care, with limited options available to support patients experiencing progressive vision changes. Unlike the wet form of the condition, which has benefited from advances in anti-VEGF therapies, dry AMD has historically offered few pathways for clinical intervention beyond monitoring and lifestyle guidance.
Valeda® represents a new approach in this space. It is a clinically evaluated, light-based treatment system that uses photobiomodulation technology to support retinal health in patients with dry AMD. This page provides an overview of the treatment, its underlying principles, and what it means for your practice and your patients.
Information provided by Zollara Vision Services, a division of Zollara Ltd.
Clinical Background
What Is Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
Dry AMD is a chronic, progressive condition affecting the macula — the central area of the retina responsible for fine detail and central vision. It is characterised by the gradual accumulation of drusen and changes to the retinal pigment epithelium, which can lead to thinning of macular tissue over time.
Patients typically experience a slow decline in central visual function, impacting activities such as reading, recognising faces, and performing tasks that require sharp central vision. Peripheral vision usually remains unaffected, though the condition can significantly reduce quality of life and independence.
Dry AMD accounts for approximately 85–90% of all AMD cases. While it progresses more slowly than wet AMD, there is currently no cure, and management has traditionally focused on nutritional supplementation, lifestyle modification, and regular monitoring.

Key clinical features: Drusen deposits, retinal pigment epithelium changes, geographic atrophy in advanced stages, and progressive central vision loss.
What Is Valeda®?
Developed by LumiThera, Inc.
A medical technology company specialising in photobiomodulation systems for retinal health.
CE-Marked & FDA-Authorised
Approved for use in the UK, EU, and authorised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Non-Invasive Approach
No drugs, no injections — treatment is delivered entirely through controlled light exposure.
Valeda® is a light delivery system designed specifically for the treatment of dry AMD. It employs photobiomodulation (PBM) technology, applying carefully calibrated wavelengths of low-level light to the retina to support cellular function and health.
The device is used in a clinical setting under the supervision of trained eye care professionals. It has undergone clinical evaluation to assess its safety and potential benefits for patients with intermediate dry AMD. As a non-invasive treatment, it offers an additional option for patients who may have had few alternatives in the past.
Valeda® is intended for use by registered optometrists, ophthalmologists, and other qualified eye care practitioners within their scope of practice and in accordance with local regulations.
Treatment Mechanism
How Photobiomodulation Works
Photobiomodulation (PBM) involves the application of specific wavelengths of low-level light to living tissue. Unlike laser treatments that cut or cauterise, PBM uses non-thermal light to interact with cellular structures, particularly mitochondria — the energy-producing components of cells.
When exposed to these wavelengths, mitochondria may increase the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that provides energy for cellular processes. This is thought to support cellular metabolism, reduce oxidative stress, and promote healthy cellular function within the retina.
01
Light Absorption
Specific wavelengths are absorbed by photoreceptors in retinal cells.
02
Mitochondrial Response
Energy production pathways within the cell are stimulated.
03
Cellular Support
Metabolic activity is enhanced, supporting retinal cell health and function.
PBM is a well-established modality used across various medical fields, including wound healing, pain management, and tissue repair. Its application in ophthalmology is based on the same underlying principles, adapted to the unique needs of retinal tissue.
What the Treatment Involves
Valeda® treatment is straightforward and designed with patient comfort in mind. Each session takes place in a clinical environment, with the patient seated in front of the light delivery system. The experience is non-invasive, and patients remain awake and alert throughout.
1
Initial Assessment
The clinician reviews the patient's suitability and explains the procedure.
2
Positioning & Setup
The patient is comfortably seated with their chin and forehead supported, similar to standard ophthalmic equipment.
3
Light Delivery
Each eye is treated individually. The active treatment time per eye is brief, typically just a few minutes.
4
Completion
The session concludes with no recovery time required. Patients may resume normal activities immediately.
Treatment Structure
Treatment is delivered as a series of sessions over several weeks. The exact protocol is determined by the treating clinician based on clinical guidelines and the individual patient's needs.
In some cases, treatment cycles may be repeated periodically. This decision is made at the clinician's discretion, taking into account the patient's response and ongoing clinical assessment.

Note for practitioners: Patients should be informed that treatment involves exposure to bright light, which may cause a brief after-image. This is normal and temporary.
Safety Profile
Clinical Trial Data
No treatment-related adverse events were reported in the clinical trials evaluating Valeda® for dry AMD. The treatment was well tolerated across study populations.
Expected Sensory Effects
Due to exposure to bright light during treatment, patients may experience a brief after-image immediately following the session. This is a normal optical phenomenon and typically resolves within minutes.
Clinician Assessment
As with any treatment, overall safety and suitability are assessed on an individual basis by the treating clinician. Patient history, ocular health, and contraindications must be reviewed prior to proceeding.
Valeda® has been designed with patient safety as a priority. The light levels used are carefully controlled and have been evaluated in clinical settings. However, it remains the responsibility of the treating optometrist or ophthalmologist to ensure that each patient is an appropriate candidate for treatment.
If patients have concerns or report unusual symptoms following treatment, they should be encouraged to contact the clinic promptly. Ongoing monitoring and communication are essential components of safe and effective care.
Clinical Responsibility
Important Reminder for Practitioners
Zollara Vision Services provides access to Valeda® technology. Clinical decisions remain with the treating clinician.
Patient Selection
It is the responsibility of the treating optician or ophthalmologist to determine whether a patient is suitable for Valeda® treatment, based on clinical assessment, imaging, and history.
Informed Consent
Practitioners must ensure that patients understand the nature of the treatment, what it involves, and any potential risks or limitations, in accordance with professional and regulatory standards.
Clinical Imaging & Follow-Up
All diagnostic imaging, treatment monitoring, and follow-up care remain under the clinician's purview. Zollara Vision Services does not provide diagnostic or clinical advisory services.
Zollara Vision Services does not diagnose, prescribe, or provide clinical advice to patients. Our role is to facilitate access to Valeda® technology and provide support to registered eye care professionals who are treating patients within their scope of practice.
All treatment decisions, patient communications, and clinical outcomes remain the responsibility of the treating practitioner. If you have questions about integrating Valeda® into your practice, please contact Zollara Vision Services directly.

This page is intended for registered opticians, optometrists, and ophthalmologists in the United Kingdom. It is not intended for patient use or as a substitute for professional clinical judgement.