John Rose Features on the “Talking about ‘degeneration” Apple Podcast
Shining a Light on the Future of Photobiomodulation for AMD
Listen to John Rose’s interview featured after Dr Clark Tedford, founder of Lumithera Inc in the “Talking about ‘degeneration” Podcast by Angela Young – Cambridge Podcasts. John discusses the Valeda LDS treatment overview for dry AMD patients. John is the world’s first optometrist to offer this treatment since 2019. 
Listen to John from min 22:42 min to min 30:30
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/talking-bout-degeneration/id1755230438?i=1000666787825
In 2024, the World Association for Light Therapy (WALT) has reached a big milestone—its 30th anniversary. This year marks a huge celebration of three decades of groundbreaking work in photobiomodulation (PBM), commonly known as light therapy. To mark the occasion, WALT hosted PBM2024, a global comprehensive and engaging event on the topic that gathered from international researchers, clinicians and people from all over the world intrigued by how light can actually heal. One of the most exciting focuses this year is using PBM to treat dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness in older adults.
Why Photobiomodulation?
Photobiomodulation (PBM) is all about using specific wavelengths of light to trigger biological processes in the body that promote healing and reduce inflammation. Think of it as giving your cells a little energy boost, which in turn helps your body heal faster and better. What’s really cool about PBM is that it’s non-invasive, drug-free, and has minimal side effects. It’s like the ultimate tool in the toolbox for treating a wide range of conditions.
Photobiomodulation is important because it offers a non-invasive, drug-free approach to healing and pain management. By using specific wavelengths of light, PBM stimulates cellular activity, enhances tissue repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes pain relief. Its broad applications range from accelerating wound healing to improving recovery from injuries, reducing chronic pain, and even supporting neurological health. The safety, effectiveness, and versatility of PBM make it a valuable tool in both medical and therapeutic settings. This offers potential benefits without the side effects associated with traditional treatments.
Since 2017 we have been using PBM at John Rose Eye Care for our clients in Kingston upon Thames, Ham, Richmond and beyond to treat things like chronic pain, sports injuries and even mood disorders. One of the most exciting areas of research since 2019 is its potential to treat dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Dry AMD is the most common form of AMD and is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. It’s a slow-progressing disease that eventually leads to the loss of central vision, making it incredibly difficult for people to manage with daily tasks as it has a huge impact on quality of life.
Shining a Light on Dry AMD: The Game-Changing VALEDA Light Delivery System
When it comes to vision, especially as we age, one of the scariest things to face is the possibility of losing it. Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of blindness among older adults, and until recently, there hasn’t been much that could be done to slow its progress. But now, there’s a glimmer of hope—and it’s coming in the form of light.
Welcome to the world of the VALEDA Light Delivery System (LDS), the first approved treatment for Dry AMD using Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT). If that sounds like a mouthful, don’t worry; we’re going to break it down and explain why this is such an exciting development for anyone dealing with Dry AMD.
How Does the VALEDA LDS Treatment Work?
In the case of VALEDA LDS, the treatment involves exposing the eyes to light at specific wavelengths, which helps the cells in your retina function better. Each treatment takes approximately 5 minutes per each eye. This treatment innovation is backed by serious science. Research has shown that PBM can slow down the degeneration of cells in the retina, accelerate healing, and improve recovery from injuries. This is particularly important for Dry AMD patients, where the degeneration of retinal cells leads to vision loss. The goal of VALEDA is to catch the disease early and slow its progress, allowing you to maintain better vision for longer.
Why You Haven’t Heard About This Before?
VALEDA LDS is a breakthrough in the treatment of Dry AMD, a condition that gradually robs people of their central vision, making everyday activities like reading, driving, or even recognising faces increasingly difficult. This cutting-edge system uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the cells in your eyes, helping to slow the progression of the disease and, in some cases, even improve your vision.
Since its introduction, VALEDA has been a game-changer. More than 450,000 treatments have been administered worldwide, and to date there are no reported adverse effects. You can receive this novel treatment at the world’s first optometry practice to offer VALEDA LDS, John Rose Eye Care a practice dedicated to bringing this innovative therapy to AMD sufferers.
You might be wondering why this treatment isn’t more widely known, especially if it’s so effective. The truth is, VALEDA is still relatively new and the process of getting a new treatment recognised and approved can take time—especially in the UK, where getting a new treatment code from the NHS is a complex process. However, with increasing interest from private providers and ongoing clinical trials, awareness and availability of VALEDA are rapidly growing.
In fact, Professor Ben Burton, a leading figure in the UK’s ophthalmology community, has been a significant advocate for VALEDA. He led the LightSite II trials in the UK and has since been elected president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists. His involvement has helped to boost interest in the treatment, and now more private providers, including Prof. Burton himself, are offering it.
What’s Next for VALEDA LDS from Lumithera inc ?
LumiThera, the company behind VALEDA, is pushing forward with the approval process in the U.S., and the FDA has fast-tracked it due to the promising results seen in clinical trials. As the treatment continues to gain traction worldwide, it’s likely that more and more people with Dry AMD will have access to this life-changing therapy.
For those who are already undergoing VALEDA treatment, the results have been encouraging. Real-world experiences mirror those seen in clinical trials, with many patients reporting a noticeable slowing in the progression of their disease and, in some cases, improvements in their vision.
Why wait? Start your treatment today!
Dry AMD is a tough diagnosis, but with VALEDA LDS, there’s finally a treatment that offers real hope. Whether you’re just starting to experience symptoms or have been living with the disease for a while, this innovative light therapy could make a significant difference in your quality of life.
If you’re interested in learning more about VALEDA and whether it might be right for you, the first step is to schedule an initial assessment. This will give your optometrist the information they need to determine if you’re a good candidate for the treatment and to develop a personalised treatment plan that meets your needs.
Remember, early intervention is key when it comes to Dry AMD. The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of slowing the disease and preserving your vision. Don’t wait—take the first step toward better eye health today.
For more information please visit our website where you can find out about the protocol for this treatment. Schedule your initial assessment and start your journey to better vision with VALEDA LDS https://johnroseeyecare.mysight.uk/choose-appointment-type.
Q&A: Photobiomodulation & VALEDA LDS for Dry AMD
Q: What is photobiomodulation (PBM)?
A: Photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as light therapy, uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate natural biological processes in the body. In eye care, PBM supports retinal cell function, reduces inflammation, and helps improve how cells produce energy — all important factors in managing dry AMD.
Q: What is the VALEDA Light Delivery System (LDS)?
A: VALEDA LDS is the first approved treatment specifically designed to use photobiomodulation therapy for dry Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). It delivers carefully controlled light at precise wavelengths to support retinal health and help slow disease progression.
Q: Who is suitable for VALEDA treatment?
A: VALEDA is most suitable for patients with early to intermediate dry AMD. The best way to determine suitability is through a detailed clinical assessment at John Rose Eye Care, where we use advanced diagnostic imaging to guide personalised treatment decisions.
Q: What happens during the treatment?
A: Treatment is simple, comfortable, and non-invasive. You sit at the VALEDA device while gentle light is delivered to each eye for around five minutes. Most patients find the experience relaxing and pain-free.
Q: How many treatments are needed?
A: The typical protocol involves a series of treatments delivered over several weeks. Your optometrist will tailor the schedule to your individual clinical needs and monitor your progress closely.
Q: Is VALEDA treatment safe?
A: Yes. VALEDA has been extensively studied in clinical trials and real-world use worldwide, with no reported serious adverse effects. It is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy with an excellent safety profile.
Q: Will VALEDA improve my vision?
A: Results vary between individuals. Many patients experience stabilisation of their condition and some report improvements in visual function. The main goal is to slow progression and help preserve vision for as long as possible.
Q: Why is early treatment so important?
A: Dry AMD is progressive, meaning damage builds over time. Early intervention offers the best opportunity to slow progression and protect remaining retinal function.
Q: Why haven’t I heard about VALEDA before?
A: VALEDA is still relatively new and awareness is growing. As clinical evidence and experience expand globally, more patients and clinicians are learning about its benefits.
Q: How experienced is John Rose Eye Care with this treatment?
A: John Rose was the world’s first optometrist to introduce VALEDA LDS in 2019. Since then, the practice has developed extensive experience in assessing and managing patients with dry AMD using advanced diagnostic technology and personalised treatment plans.
Q: How do I get started?
A: The first step is a comprehensive AMD assessment at John Rose Eye Care. From there, we determine whether VALEDA is appropriate and design a tailored treatment plan for you.