Valeda Light Therapy , A Breakthrough in Dry Macular Degeneration Treatment

FDA-approved light therapy designed to stimulate your retina and help improve vision. Now available at Windy City Retina in Illinois.

If you’ve been told there’s nothing you can do about dry AMD, there’s new hope. Valeda Light Therapy is an FDA-approved treatment that works differently than other options. Instead of just slowing progression, it’s designed to stimulate your retinal cells and help improve your vision. Quick sessions. Minimal side effects. Real results.

Dry AMD Doesn’t Have to Mean Giving Up

A dry macular degeneration diagnosis can feel like a dead end. You’ve probably heard: ‘There’s no treatment. Just monitor it. Take your vitamins.’ And you watch your central vision slowly fade, making reading harder, driving riskier, independence more uncertain.

But dry AMD isn’t a one-way street anymore.

For decades, patients with dry AMD had limited options. Wet AMD could be treated with injections. But dry AMD? Doctors could only recommend supplements and lifestyle changes. That left millions of people feeling helpless…Until now.

What is Valeda Light Therapy?​

A non-invasive treatment backed by clinical research and FDA approval. Valeda Light Therapy uses a specific wavelength of light to stimulate the cells in your retina. Here’s the science:

Your retina has cells called photoreceptors. In dry AMD, these cells gradually break down, causing vision loss. Valeda’s light therapy is designed to energize these cells at the mitochondrial level, essentially giving them the boost they need to function better.

The result? Your retina may work more efficiently, potentially improving your vision and reducing drusen (the protein deposits that accumulate in dry AMD).

What makes it different:

What Patients Say:

I have macular degeneration and have been receiving injections from Dr. Ankit Desai at Windy City Retina for some time. While I’m essentially blind in my right eye, I was considered a good candidate for Valeda® Light Therapy on my left eye. After completing the first round of nine treatments, I’ve noticed things appear clearer, sharper, and more defined. The treatment itself was quick—only about five minutes—and completely painless. I would absolutely recommend exploring this treatment option at Windy City Retina.

The Treatment Process

What to Expect: Simple, Quick Sessions
Valeda Light Therapy is straightforward:

Session Details:

  • Duration: Approximately 20 minutes per session
  • Location: Windy City Retina
  • Comfort: You sit comfortably while the device delivers light therapy to your eye
  • Side Effects: Minimal; most patients tolerate it very well
  • Both Eyes: Can be treated in the same session

Treatment Schedule:

  • Initial course: Typically 9 sessions over 4–6 weeks
  • Maintenance: Many patients benefit from additional rounds (2–3 per year)
  • Your doctor will recommend the best schedule for your specific condition

Backed by Science. Proven Safe.

Valeda Light Therapy isn’t experimental—it’s evidence-based:

Backed by Science. Proven Safe.

Who It’s For:

Who Should Consult First:

Important Note:

Individual results vary. Some patients see improvement within weeks; others may take longer. Your retina specialist will monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Your Questions Answered

Is Valeda FDA approved?

Yes. Valeda Light Therapy received FDA approval in November 2024 for treating dry age-related macular degeneration. Clinical studies have shown it to be safe, effective, and well-tolerated.

How many sessions will I need and when will I notice results?

Most patients begin with 9 sessions over 4–6 weeks. Some notice improvements within a few weeks, while others progress more gradually. Many benefit from maintenance sessions later in the year. Your doctor will create a plan based on your specific needs.

Can both eyes be treated at the same visit?

Yes. Each session treats both eyes and takes about 20 minutes.

Are there any side effects?

Valeda is non-invasive and typically very comfortable. Some patients experience mild, temporary eye sensitivity after treatment, but most report no significant side effects.

Is Valeda covered by insurance?

Coverage varies. Most insurance plans do not currently cover Valeda, but this is evolving. Our team can help you check your benefits and provide documentation if your insurer allows appeals.

 
Is Valeda a cure for dry AMD?

Not exactly. Valeda helps improve visual function and slow progression, but it is not a cure. It works best as part of a comprehensive AMD care plan that may include supplements, lifestyle adjustments, and regular monitoring.

How is Valeda different from other dry AMD treatments?

Unlike supplements or wet AMD injections, Valeda uses photobiomodulation to stimulate retinal cells. It is gentle, non-invasive, and designed to improve visual performance, not just slow decline.

Is Valeda Right for You?

Valeda Light Therapy may be a good option if you:

Your Next Step:

Schedule a consultation with one of our retina specialists. During your visit, we’ll:

Dry AMD doesn’t have to mean the end of your independence. Valeda Light Therapy offers new hope—backed by science, approved by the FDA, and available now at Windy City Retina.

Ready to Take the Next Step Toward Better Vision? Schedule Your AMD Consultation Today.

Choose Extraordinary.
Choose Windy City Retina.