Valeda photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive light therapy for intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration. Using carefully calibrated yellow, red and near-infrared light, it is delivered as a short course of painless sessions — typically nine sessions over three to four weeks, repeated around every four months. There are no injections and no surgery. Sapphire Eye Care, the clinic group covering Berkshire, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Dorset through this site, lists dry AMD red light therapy (photobiomodulation) from £945 on its price list. Valeda is intended to support macular cells and slow vision loss in intermediate dry AMD; it is not a treatment for wet AMD, which requires anti-VEGF injections.
What is Valeda photobiomodulation?
Valeda is a light-delivery system that shines low levels of light at three specific wavelengths into the eye: 590 nm (yellow), 660 nm (red) and 850 nm (near-infrared). This combination is known as photobiomodulation. The light is absorbed by structures inside the cells of the retina — particularly the mitochondria, the cell's energy factories — and is thought to improve cellular energy production, reduce inflammation and support the health of the ageing macula.
It is the first light-based therapy developed specifically for dry AMD, the most common form of macular degeneration. Unlike injections or surgery, the treatment is entirely external — you simply rest your chin on the device and look towards a light for a few minutes per eye.
What the evidence shows
Valeda has been studied in the LIGHTSITE programme of clinical trials. In these studies, patients with intermediate dry AMD treated with photobiomodulation showed, on average, a measurable improvement in best-corrected visual acuity (the letters read on a sight chart) compared with sham treatment, and a signal towards slower progression to geographic atrophy. As with any emerging therapy, results vary between individuals and benefits are modest rather than curative — your consultant will explain realistic expectations for your eyes.
Living with intermediate dry AMD? A medical-retina assessment with OCT imaging confirms the stage of your AMD and whether Valeda PBM is suitable.
Book a macular assessmentIs Valeda right for you? Your dry AMD options
Valeda is one part of a broader approach to managing dry AMD. The right combination depends on the stage of your disease, confirmed on OCT scanning at your consultation.
If your AMD has converted to the wet form, prompt anti-VEGF injection treatment takes priority. Our guide to wet AMD vs dry AMD treatment options explains how the two differ.
What a Valeda session involves
Each session is quick, comfortable and carried out in the clinic — there is no anaesthetic, no eye drops to dilate the pupil and no recovery time afterwards.
- You sit at the Valeda device and rest your chin and forehead on a comfortable support, as you would for a standard eye scan.
- You look towards a soft target light; the eye does not need to be dilated and the light is not uncomfortable.
- The device delivers the three wavelengths of light in a set sequence lasting only a few minutes per eye.
- The second eye is treated in the same way if both are affected.
- You leave straight away — there are no restrictions on driving or normal activities.
A treatment cycle is usually nine sessions over three to four weeks (two to three sessions per week). Cycles are then repeated approximately every four months to maintain any benefit.
Results & follow-up
Because PBM is non-invasive there is nothing to recover from after each session. Progress is tracked over months rather than days, using vision testing and OCT imaging.
During the cycle
Nine short sessions over three to four weeks. No downtime — you return to normal activities immediately after each visit.
After the first cycle
Vision and OCT scans are reviewed. Some patients report subtle improvements in clarity; the main aim is stability and slowing decline.
Every ~4 months
A repeat cycle is scheduled. Ongoing OCT monitoring checks for any conversion to wet AMD, which would need separate treatment.
Long term
Treatment continues as long as it is helping and the AMD remains at the intermediate stage. Your consultant reviews the plan at each cycle.
Cost & what's included
Sapphire Eye Care lists dry AMD red light therapy / photobiomodulation from £945; its list says treatments are per eye unless otherwise stated and does not say how many sessions the figure covers, so ask when you book.
- Sapphire Eye Care: dry AMD red light therapy / photobiomodulation from £945; initial consultation from £240, or from £340 with OCT imaging; follow-up from £140.
- Both eyes: where both eyes have intermediate dry AMD, both can be treated at the same visit; ask whether the price is per eye.
- Insurance: photobiomodulation is an emerging therapy and is not yet routinely covered by private insurers — check with your insurer before you book.
- Finance: payment terms vary by clinic; ask for them in writing.
Compare the full range of macular degeneration prices, or read more about the condition on our dry AMD information page.