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Macular Degeneration Treatment

Now Offering Valeda — The First and Only FDA-Authorized Treatment to Improve Vision in Dry AMD

At Piedmont EyeCare, we stay at the forefront of vision care — and that means bringing you the most advanced treatments available. If you’ve been diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration, there’s finally a reason for hope.

Understanding Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease of the retina, the part of your eye that detects visual signals and sends them to the brain. It’s the leading cause of vision loss in people over 65, and until recently, there was no treatment available to improve vision for those with the dry form. Dry AMD accounts for 85–90% of all AMD cases. As it progresses, it can cause:
  • Blurry or fuzzy vision Straight lines that appear wavy or bent
  • Reduced color intensity or brightness
  • Difficulty adapting to low light
  • Loss of central vision, which affects your ability to drive, read, recognize faces, and perform close-up tasks
If you have dry AMD, early intervention is critical. The sooner treatment begins, the better the opportunity to preserve and improve your vision.

A New Chapter in Dry AMD Care

Valeda, developed by LumiThera, is the first and only FDA-authorized treatment proven to improve vision in patients with dry AMD. At Piedmont EyeCare, we’re proud to offer this groundbreaking therapy as part of our commitment to delivering advanced, personalized eye care.

Valeda works through a process called photobiomodulation (PBM), using specific wavelengths of low-level light therapy to stimulate energy production within the eye’s cells. This results in improved cellular health, and healthier retinal cells are essential to maintaining and improving your vision.

Clinical data shows that after approximately two years of treatment, Valeda patients experienced improvement in mean visual acuity of approximately one line on the ETDRS chart compared to those who did not receive treatment. Retinal imaging also shows improvement in eye scans when assessed for drusen, the protein deposits associated with dry AMD.

Simple. Comfortable. No Downtime.

One of the most reassuring things about Valeda is how easy and gentle the experience is. Here’s what your treatment looks like:

  • Before Your Session
    No special preparation is needed. You’ll simply remove your glasses or contact lenses before getting started. There are no eye drops, no needles, and no drugs involved.
  • During Your Session
    You’ll be seated comfortably in front of the Valeda device while one of our team members guides you through each step. The active treatment time is less than 5 minutes per eye per session.
  • After Your Session
    You may notice a brief afterimage from the light exposure. This is called photostress, and it’s completely normal. It typically resolves within 15–30 seconds, and you’ll be able to return to your regular activities right away.
  • Your Treatment Schedule
    You’ll receive 9 treatment sessions over 3 to 5 weeks per series, with each series typically repeated every 4 months. Your Piedmont EyeCare doctor will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan.

Want to learn more before your visit?

Download our patient resources to review at home or share with a family member.

Download Patient Brochure
Download My Valeda Treatment Guide

Is Valeda Right for You?

Valeda has an excellent safety profile, with no treatment-related side effects observed in clinical trials.

Who Valeda Is Designed For

Valeda is intended for patients with dry AMD who have:

  • Best-corrected visual acuity between 20/32 and 20/70
  • At least 3 medium drusen (> 63 µm and ≤ 125 µm in diameter), large drusen (> 125 µm in diameter), or non-central geographic atrophy
  • No neovascular maculopathy or center-involving geographic atrophy
Important Considerations

As a precaution, Valeda may not be appropriate for patients with known photosensitivity to yellow, red, or near-infrared light, or those with a history of light-activated central nervous system disorders (such as epilepsy or migraines). Patients who have used certain photosensitizing agents within the past 30 days should consult with their physician before beginning treatment.

Valeda is available by prescription only. Our doctors will review your complete eye health history to determine whether Valeda is the right fit for you.

Don't Wait. Your Vision Is Worth It.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with dry AMD, now is the time to explore what Valeda can do. Early treatment matters and our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Schedule Your Valeda Consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Valeda

How long does each session take?
The active treatment time is less than 5 minutes per eye. Plan for a total appointment time of around 30–45 minutes including check-in and your doctor’s review.
A standard series consists of 9 treatments over 3–5 weeks. Most patients repeat a series every 4 months. Your doctor will customize this plan based on your specific needs and response to treatment.
Not at all. There’s no discomfort during or after the treatment. You may experience a brief afterimage (photostress) for 15–30 seconds following the session, which is normal and temporary.
Coverage varies. Our team will work with you to understand your benefits and discuss all available options.
Yes. Because there are no eye drops or dilating agents used, most patients are able to drive themselves to and from their appointments.

Valeda is currently indicated for dry AMD only. If you have wet AMD, our doctors can discuss other management options with you.