Shining New Light on Macular Degeneration
Introducing the NEW Valeda® Light Therapy, the first FDA-authorized treatment designed to improve visual function in patients with macular degeneration.
- Non-invasive
- No injections
- FDA-authorized
Hear From Dr. Caleb Sawyer
Learn how Valeda® Light Therapy is helping patients with macular degeneration preserve functional vision.
Features and Benefits of Valeda® Light Therapy
Non-Invasive
- No surgery or injections
Comfortable
- Quick, painless light treatment
FDA-Authorized
- Backed by clinical studies
Simple Treatment Process
- Performed in-office
Designed for Macular Degeneration
- Focused retinal light therapy
Personalized Care
- Tailored to your retinal health
Could your vision changes be due to Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration affects the center of your vision, which helps you read, drive, recognize faces, and see fine details. Symptoms can be subtle at first, but they may become more noticeable over time.
Blurry or Fuzzy Central Vision
Blurry or fuzzy central vision can make the middle of what you’re looking at appear unclear, even when the rest of your vision seems normal.
Straight lines looking wavy
Straight lines looking wavy may make doorframes, blinds, or text appear bent, distorted, or uneven.
Trouble reading small print
Trouble reading small print can make everyday tasks like reading menus, labels, books, or phone screens more difficult.
Needing brighter light
Needing brighter light may mean you find yourself turning on extra lamps or increasing screen brightness to see clearly.
Difficulty recognizing faces
Difficulty recognizing faces can make familiar people harder to identify, especially from a distance or in lower lighting.
A dark or empty spot in the center of vision
A dark or empty spot in the center of vision can make it feel like part of what you’re looking at is missing or blocked.
**These symptoms do not always mean you have macular degeneration, but they should be checked by an eye doctor.
Valeda: A Non-Invasive Light-Based Treatment for Macular Degeneration
For many people living with macular degeneration, the most frustrating part is feeling like there are limited options. Valeda is helping change that.
Valeda is a non-invasive photobiomodulation treatment for qualifying patients with macular degeneration. It uses specific wavelengths of light to support the function of retinal cells involved in central vision. The treatment is performed in the office and does not require injections, surgery, anesthesia, or dilation.
One of the most important things about Valeda is that it gives certain macular degeneration patients a more proactive option.
Traditional macular degeneration care often includes regular monitoring, lifestyle recommendations, nutritional supplements when appropriate, and watching closely for progression or signs of wet AMD. Valeda does not replace those steps, but it may add another layer of care for patients who qualify.
The FDA authorized the Valeda Light Delivery System for patients with macular degeneration who meet specific criteria, including best-corrected vision between 20/32 and 20/70, certain drusen or non-central geographic atrophy findings, and no wet AMD or center-involving geographic atrophy. The FDA documentation states that, after about two years, Valeda treatment provided improved mean visual acuity of approximately one ETDRS line compared with those not receiving treatment.
Valeda uses carefully selected wavelengths of light to target retinal cells affected by macular degeneration. This light-based treatment is designed to help the cells function more efficiently by supporting the mitochondria — the part of the cell that produces energy. Healthier cell energy may help support visual function in patients with macular degeneration.
The treatment is non-invasive and comfortable for most patients. You simply sit at the device while the light therapy is delivered. There are no eye injections, no incisions, and no downtime from surgery.
Valeda is not a cure for macular degeneration. It does not reverse all vision loss, and it is not appropriate for every patient with macular degeneration. It is also not a treatment for wet AMD.
Valeda is a treatment option for qualifying patients with macular degeneration that may help improve or maintain visual acuity. The first step is a detailed retinal evaluation to determine whether your eyes meet the treatment criteria.
You may be ready for a Valeda consultation if:
- You have already been diagnosed with macular degeneration
- You have been told you have drusen
- Your vision falls within the treatment range
- You do not have wet AMD
- You do not have center-involving geographic atrophy
You may need an evaluation first if:
- You have symptoms but no diagnosis
- You have a family history of macular degeneration
- You are over 50 and noticing central vision changes
- You have not had recent retinal imaging
What Happens at Your Macular Degeneration Evaluation?
Here is what to expect:
- Vision testing
- Dilated eye exam
- Retinal imaging
- Diagnosis: dry AMD, wet AMD, or another condition
- Personalized treatment recommendation
- Valeda candidacy discussion, if appropriate
Why Choose Sawyer Eye Center for Valeda?
Sawyer Eye Center is proud to be one of the first practices in the area to offer Valeda, giving patients local access to an advanced, non-invasive light-based treatment for qualifying macular degeneration. Our team combines cutting-edge technology with compassionate, personalized care — starting with a thorough macular degeneration evaluation to determine whether Valeda is right for you. If you’re a candidate, we’ll walk you through every step with clear guidance, ongoing monitoring, and the trusted care our Weatherford and Granbury communities know and count on.
Focused Macular Degeneration Care
We use advanced retinal imaging and personalized macular degeneration management to help patients understand their options. Sawyer Eye Center brings innovative care close to home.
World-Class Technology
We use the latest diagnostic tools and surgical equipment to ensure precise and safe treatment.
Hometown Care
Every patient receives a custom treatment plan tailored to their eyes, vision goals, and lifestyle.