VALEDA – modern therapy for the dry form of macular degeneration

Author: Dr. Ralitsa Kermedchieva

Age-related macular degeneration affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of blindness globally, with projections indicating that the number of those affected will reach 284 million by 2040.

There are two main types: the dry form – accounting for 80% of all cases with a more favorable visual prognosis, and the neovascular (wet) form – in the remaining 20% of cases, leading to severe vision loss. The presence of drusen in the macula as a result of the accumulation of lipofuscin and other waste products is considered a hallmark of the dry form.

Clinically macular degeneration is expressed as a loss of central, fine, and detailed vision. In the early stages, patients perceive distortion of straight lines, and as the disease progresses, complete central vision loss occurs, leading to an inability to perform daily activities and a significantly diminished quality of life.

Among the risk factors for the development of dry AMD are oxidative stress, smoking, UV light, genetic factors related to cellular aging, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Until recently, the only choice for treatment and prevention of the dry form of AMD was dietary supplements – the so-called eye vitamins.

Recently, we have available the light delivery system LumiThera Valeda® for the treatment of the dry form of age-related macular degeneration. The device has been approved for the treatment of dry AMD in Europe since 2019, and in 2024 it received approval from the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The Valeda light therapy system uses 3 different wavelengths: yellow light (590 nm), red light (660 nm), and near-infrared (invisible) light (850 nm) based on the principle of photobiomodulation.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is an established non-invasive biotechnology based on light energy. The non-thermal biological process is activated by specific wavelengths of light, through photoreceptor molecules, triggering cellular changes that lead to improved cellular function.

The main intracellular photoreceptor for red (600-750 nm) and near-infrared (750-1100 nm) light is the enzyme cytochrome C oxidase (CcO) in the mitochondria of the retinal pigment epithelial cells.

In a series of clinical studies (LIGHTSITE I-III) evaluating the effect of photobiomodulation in dry age-related macular degeneration, using the Valeda® light delivery system, improvements in visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and a reduction in drusen volume in the macula were reported.

The treatment plan includes a series of 9 procedures, approximately 3 times a week over 3 to 5 weeks. Each treatment session takes about 5 minutes per eye through open and closed eyelids.

The procedure is non-invasive, painless, and does not require special preparation. No pupil-dilating drops are applied.

At present, the treatment is not covered by the National Health Insurance Fund.

During the Scientific Meeting of Ophthalmologists in Bulgaria in February – “Theory Meets Practice”, organized by the Bulgarian Association of Ophthalmic Surgeons (BAOH), we also reported our first results in the treatment of patients with the dry form of AMD, which are impressive with significant improvement in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity, as well as a reduction in drusen volume in the macula.

This new therapy offers a real chance for patients in the treatment of this socially significant disease and an opportunity for us as doctors to preserve and improve their quality of life.

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Learn more about this innovative therapy by contacting us at 0700 91 191 or scheduling an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Ralitsa Kermedchieva.

Dr. Kermedchieva accepts patients with NHIF referrals, health insurance, or on a fee-for-service basis.