Valeda Treatment for Macular Degeneration

Have you been diagnosed with early to mid-stage Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) ?

Worried about your independence - your ability to drive, work or simply being able to enjoy your retirement? Elizabeth Evans Opticians is proud to be introducing the first approved Light Delivery treatment – Photobiomodulation – for Dry AMD in the North of the UK.

Treatment at Elizabeth Evans opticians, is supported by Mr Andrew Luff, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Sapphire Eye Care.

“Having a family history of Age-related Macular Degeneration, our latest technology allowed me to detect the earliest macular change on my own retina. As an Optometrist I am only too aware of how this disease progresses. I decided to undergo this new treatment myself but had to travel to London for nine visits on non-consecutive days, a gruelling 700 mile round trip each time. So I decided to bring this technology north to be able to offer it to macular degeneration patients in the North and Scotland, within a much easier commuting distance.”

Initial Macular Consultation

Elizabeth Evans Opticians has a special interest in Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD). We have invested in advanced technology to best examine central retinal structure, and developed tests to best assess central vision and most importantly, visual function.

This is recommended for anyone with any signs of macular changes or with a family history of AMD. Based on our findings we can monitor, at more regular intervals, advise on suitability of treatment and give appropriate advice.

Anyone wishing to undergo treatment must have this initial macula consultation to check suitability prior to the Valeda treatment. It includes a series of advanced tests of ocular structure, visual performance and visual function. These assessments will facilitate the close monitoring of your progress, and the ongoing effects and benefits of Valeda treatment over time. You must allow 2-3 hours for this consultation.

Assessment fee - £295

Image 1 for the Valeda Treatment for Macular Degeneration page

Macular Monitoring

A post-treatment assessment should be undertaken 3 months after the end of the Valeda treatment schedule. Recent research suggests that further cycles may be required to maintain the treatment benefit after an interval of six months.

Monitoring fee - £195

Treatment

A treatment course will include nine sessions over a three week period. One session can be booked for example, each Monday, Wednesday and Friday (non-consecutive days) for three consecutive weeks.

Photobiomodulation is a treatment not a cure. A recent study suggested that further treatments cycles are required after six months interval to maintain benefits.

	Binocular (both eyes)
1st treatment	£1600
2nd treatment	£1350

All fees are payable at the time of booking and are non-refundable.

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What is Photobiomodulation?

Photobiomodulation(PBM) is a form of light therapy showing promise in the control of dry AMD.

Improves Visual Acuity
Improves Contrast Sensitivity
Reduces Central Drusen Volume

Dry AMD has remained frustratingly resistant to treatment in spite of extensive research. Nutritional supplements have offered only marginal benefit and a trial of antibody injections has produced disappointing results.

Light therapy, primarily red and infrared, can help treat numerous conditions throughout the body. The science of PBM is developing rapidly with research showing potential short-term results in the earlier stages of dry AMD. This works best for those with drusen (yellowish blobs beneath the retina) rather than atrophy (loss of tissue).

PBM is thought to work in a number of ways:

Improving blood flow to the retina and its supporting layers.
Stimulating nitric oxide, a chemical important to the health of blood vessels.
Activating mitochondria, the tiny particles within cells that produce energy.
Slow the deterioration of Dry AMD
Stabilise or improve vision
Reduce the risk of progression to wet AMD

Further info on PBM for Dry AMD is available at www.lumithera.com

Ideal patients are those showing signs of early, dry AMD (the grades currently considered suitable for nutritional supplements) and a visual acuity of 6/36 or better.

A treatment course consists of nine sessions over a three-week period, each of which lasts just a few minutes. Three separate colours are used with no discomfort or potential side effects for the patient. Therapy can be offered to one or both eyes, depending on clinical findings and patient preference.

Initial studies show a significant effect with a benefit maintained over six months. A second treatment at that point appears once again to deliver a positive result, but no longer-term data are, as yet, available.

Further clinical trials are in progress but, given the weight of evidence and the current lack of any other effective treatment, this minimally invasive and very low-risk treatment appeals to some sufferers.

Mr Andrew Luff
- April 2021

Want to learn more?

Am I suitable for treatment?

Ideal patients are those showing early or intermediate dry AMD and have a visual acuity of 6/36 or better. The technique does not worsen the disease, has no side effects and is completely non-invasive.

What is the latest research?

US LIGHTSITE III Trial Data Shows Improvement in Vision in Intermediate Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Read more about this exciting news

Exciting trial data (This will open in a new tab)

For the latest research please see.

https://eu.lumithera.com/category/research-articles/

Current publications on Valeda Treatment

Publications-Valeda-Treatment

Details of the AVRO Electrolight

ARVO Electrolight

Details of the Non-invasive Treatment of Early Diabetic Macular Edema

Non-invasive-Treatment

How can we treat Dry AMD with PMB?

Photobiomodulation(PBM) as performed with the new Vaeda, acts at the mitochondrial level by improving cellular output and reestablishing metabolic function. Modulated light offers a novel valid therapeutic approach for AMD, which may facilitate the repair of damaged tissues in the retina and promote survival and function of epithelial cells within the retinal pigmented epithelium.

The technique does not worsen the disease, has no side effects, and is completely non invasive.

What is Photobiomodulation (PBM)?

This is the is the application of low-level light therapy to a part of the body with the aim of repairing tissues and reducing inflammation, oedema and pain. It has been used for the past 20 years for musculaskeletal pain, injury, dysfunction, wound healing, neuropathic pain, lymphedema, and oral mucositis.

It is not heat therapy but is more like photosynthesis in plants. Light, in the far red and near-infrared range, can stimulate the cells, which lead to a cascade of photochemical reactions. This low-powered light is absorbed by the cells and mitochrondrial energy is then produced activating a photochemical reaction reducing oxidative stress and leading to a cellular and indirect systemic response by tissues that have not absorbed the photons.

Hence the application of PBM in Dry AMD where mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress play a key role.

What is the difference between Dry AMD and Wet AMD?

Both forms of AMD start from the same disease and result when drusen(waste products) form beneath the macula. The number and size of drusen increase leading to a progressive loss of central vision over time.

As the disease progresses the drusen reduce the nutrients flowing to the retina, the retina becomes very thin and fragile new vessels grow in between the cells.

These vessels can leak, hence in 10% of cases of dry AMD becomes wet AMD. This can lead to a sudden aggressive loss of vision and is treated treatment is via the injection of anti vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) drugs. These drugs inhibit the formation of the new blood vessels in the eye.

Is Macular Degeneration curable?

Currently, there is no known cure for macular degeneration (AMD). However, several treatments and interventions are available that can help slow down the progression of the disease and manage its symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Macular Degeneration?

Common symptoms associated with macular degeneration include:

Blurred vision: A gradual or sudden loss of clear vision, especially in the central field of vision.
Distorted vision: Straight lines may appear wavy, crooked, or distorted. Objects may also appear smaller or larger than they actually are.
Dark or empty areas: A dark or empty spot may develop in the center of your vision, making it difficult to see fine details.
Difficulty recognizing faces: Recognizing people's faces may become challenging.
Decreased color perception: Colors may appear less vibrant or faded.
Increased sensitivity to light: Bright lights may cause discomfort or glare.
Slow adjustment to changes in light: It may take longer for your eyes to adjust when moving from a bright environment to a dark one, or vice versa.
Decreased ability to read or write: Reading or writing may become more difficult due to the loss of central vision.
Need for brighter light: You may require more lighting to see clearly.
Decreased contrast sensitivity: It may be harder to distinguish between objects of similar shades or colors.

Dawn says:

"We can’t thank Elizabeth and her team for giving my mam Annie a chance to see people’s faces in detail again as everyone was just a blur especially her new great grandchildren, her eye sight was failing fast due to Macular Degeneration. The hospital said she was going blind and nothing more could be done and given a leaflet and magnifying glass over 12 months ago. Then by a chance conversation 1 day over 6 months ago with friends we heard about Elizabeth Evans and the light therapy treatment Valeda for Macular Degeneration. She has just started her second round of treatment and her eye sight has improved so much she has got her confidence back. She can see everyone in detail and has started driving again, reading and her favourite thing is knitting for her great grandchildren and no magnifying glass in sight!"

Wendy H says:

"I can see people in the field outside my house now and recognise them."

Margaret says:

"I found Elizabeth Evans Opticians online when searching for treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration in the north of England. I had been told there was no treatment! I attended for an Assessment appointment and was delighted to be told I was suitable for the Valeda Light Delivery System treatment. I received a course of treatment on three days a week over a three week period. To say I received the best Christmas present I could possibly have hoped for in 2022 is an understatement. I can now read a book again, see instructions on packaging and drive more competently. Elizabeth and her staff were so knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. Thank Elizabeth for bringing this treatment to the North (as London is so inaccessible for so many) Look forward to seeing you and your lovely staff all again in May."

Patricia says:

"I have the same story as Margaret Duffy. I searched for treatment and found it at Elizabeth Evans Opticians. I have now had 5 treatments since August 2022 and I want to encourage people with the dry form of Macular Degeneration to have a look at the treatment being offered by Elizabeth and her staff at her practice in Prudhoe. Photobiomodulation is a straightforward treatment that takes no time at all to receive and there is no discomfort. The ladies put you completely at your ease and the 9 treatments over 3 weeks pass very quickly. Please don't be put off by distance. I travel a 540 mile round trip every time I get a treatment and it is totally worth the effort. My eyesight was deteriorating before I got the treatment and has now stabilised. I have actually got better vision in my left eye now than before the treatment. This is not a guess my optician in Peterhead has given me the details. Limiting your eyesight is limiting the quality of your lifestyle. I was lucky enough to find out about this treatment and I would certainly advise anyone with the condition to contact Elizabeth Evans Opticians for information. I am overcome with gratitude and hope for the future. Deepest thanks again to Elizabeth and her wonderful ladies."

Sean says:

"My Grandma is 92yrs old, we actually found Elizabeth Evans Opticians about 1yr before deciding to make an appointment for treating dry macular degeneration, we regret the delay now as we could of prevented further decline in sight, the great news is that after the 1st 3 sessions my grandma's eyesight noticeably improved, being able to see the numbers on the cooker dials and being able to read knitting patterns again. It's not been a 100% miracle cure, but the improvement was more than we expected, in-fact we had only pinned our hopes on slowing down the deterioration of sight. Based on our experience, we wish we had gone sooner & if anyone has any doubts about this treatment,,, it works (even for someone that's 92). Thank you to the full team, they are lovely and very accommodating to being flexible regarding booking times."

Jack says:

"I couldn't see anything with my right eye for the TV, but now I can see figures. Colours are now a lot more vivid. I have dogs which are the same breed and I couldn't tell them apart before, but now I can see that one is red and one is golden."