Valeda LDS – the World’s first and only approved treatment, using Photobiomodulation for Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a gradual loss of vision that progresses with age. AMD normally affects central vision, particularly contrast sensitivity, dark adaptation, colour vision and depth perception – changes that influence performance and experience of day-to-day tasks and hobbies such as reading, driving, watching TV, painting etc.

Early stages of the disease tend to primarily affect the rods – the receptors responsible for night vision – these are not usually assessed in a routine sight test.

Due to the degenerative and progressive nature of the disease process and the incredible complexity of the human visual system and brain, dry AMD is only normally detected when the disease is already significantly advanced – i.e. when it has already started to affect the cones, the receptors responsible for high contrast, central and colour vision.

We are constantly surrounded by artificial lighting, headlights, streetlamps etc., hence are completely unaware of changes in our night vision until there has been a significant and often life changing deterioration in our vision.

Photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is the application of different wavelengths of light, most commonly red and near-infrared. PBM therapy improves metabolism within the mitochondria – organelles within cells that are responsible for energy production.

So far, research has shown that PBM therapy attenuates degeneration in sick retina and optic nerve cells, accelerates wound healing, and improves recovery from ischemic injury.

Valeda LDS treatment

The Valeda Light Delivery System (LDS) is the World’s first approved treatment for Dry AMD using PBM. You can be reassured that your treatment will be undertaken by the World’s first Optometrist and Optometric practice to offer this long awaited truly innovative treatment developed by LumiThera Inc. For more information, please see www.lumithera.com

The aim of this new treatment is to slow down the progression of the disease and if caught early enough to even improve your visual performance in day-to-day activities – so you can enjoy improved vision for longer, as well as enhanced quality of life!

Assessments

The treatment plan commences with a Metropsis Visual Function assessment (Cambridge Research Systems), macular integrity assessment (MAIA) and a series of Heidelberg Spectralis Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and OCT Angiography scans and images of the retina and macula (sometimes it may be necessary to dilate your eyes at the initial appointment). These assessments facilitate the close monitoring of your progress and the ongoing effects and benefits of the Valeda LDS treatment over time.

We will investigate this in a unique way that is completely different to any other eye examination and any assessments that you may have experienced to date.

Assessment itinerary:

Visual Acuity

Contrast Sensitivity

EDTRS chart

Macular Integrity Assessment (MAIA)

Dark Adaptation

Depending on how advanced your AMD is, we may try and measure the function of your rods which are the cells responsible for night vision.

The assessment involves wearing a black-out eye mask for 30 minutes in order to ensure that we are only testing your rod function.

Gabor Patches

Installation of dilating eye drops (if necessary)

Optical Coherence Tomography – 4D HD optical imaging with Heidelberg Spectralis

Ultra-wide field imaging with CLARUS 500

It may take up to 3 hours to complete all initial assessments (however, on your first visit we advise that you allow up to 4 hours).

NOTE: the purpose of the assessments is not to ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ but to establish a reliable baseline and allow us to follow up on the effectiveness of the treatment.

It is important during the assessment to ensure that you are prepared and comfortable for the duration. Make sure you had your comfort break and your digital devices are switched off.

First assessment and treatment schedule

FIRST APPOINTMENT

A thorough visual assessment (up to 4 hours, may include dilation): this will be preferably undertaken with your best visual correction (spectacles or contact lenses).

PLEASE BRING TO THE APPOINTMENT YOUR UP-TO-DATE SPECTACLES AND/OR SPECTACLE PRESCRIPTION AND ANY RELEVANT OCULAR OR MEDICAL HISTORY.

On your first appointment you will undergo all assessments in Assessments section.

SECOND APPONTMENT

Second appointment consists of repeating Assessments – this is essential to establish a reliable baseline with which we will monitor all measurable changes to your vision and the efficacy of the treatment (up to 3 hours, no dilation).

VALEDA TREATMENT

Immediately after your second assessment you can proceed (if convenient) with the first Valeda LDS session. Overall, you will have 9 Valeda LDS sessions (15 minutes appointment). We recommend appointments are spread over a 3-4 week period for optimum results.

9TH VALEDA TREATMENT SESSION

For international/long-distance clients. This appointment will take up to 4 hours as it will incorporate a final assessment (may include dilation). This compromises a repeat of the initial diagnostic steps (Assessments). Once the treatment cycle is completed, the results will be analysed. Within 4 weeks, you will receive a thorough Report.

Local clients attend a 9th Valeda LDS treatment session as previous sessions. You will be invited for a final assessment 6-8 weeks after your 9th Valeda LDS treatment session. This appointment will take up to 4 hours (may include dilation). You will repeat all initial diagnostic steps (Assessments). After completion your results will be analysed, and you will receive a thorough Report within 4 weeks.

Note, all appointments need to be scheduled and diarised in advance in order to guarantee availability.

Follow-up assessment and treatment schedule

LumiThera Inc. (manufacturer of the Valeda LDS), based on the recent LIGHTSIGHT II clinical trials, recommend repeating the treatment every 4 – 6 months for optimum benefit. However, it may in early cases only be necessary to treat on an annual basis with a six-monthly assessment to monitor progression or as recommended.

VALEDA TREATMENT

Follow-up treatment cycle usually consists of one baseline assessment session (Assessments), up to 4 hours, may include dilation. Your 1st Valeda LDS session can be scheduled on the same day of the baseline assessment. Further you will have 8 more treatment sessions and your final assessment to monitor your progress and effectiveness of Valeda LDS treatment.

Note, appointments need to be scheduled and diarised in advance in order to guarantee availability.

Fees

	Treatment of two eyes	Treatment of one eye
First treatment cycle and diagnostics	£1650	£1450
Follow-up treatment cycle	£1290	£1090
Follow-up treatment cycle if you are on our in-house Direct Debit Loyalty Scheme	£990	£790
Note, fees have to be paid in full at the time of booking – we are unable to book the appointment schedule and multiple appointments without the cost in full being paid for in advance.
If for any reason you are unable to proceed with the treatment after the initial appointment or you decide not to proceed, a fee of £450 is payable for the diagnostics, and the balance will be refunded.
If further diagnostic appointment is required after initial assessment to establish a reliable baseline then this will be done at a reduced fee £150 instead of £450.
The above costs are for the diagnostics and treatment only – this assessment and treatment is specifically aimed at treating and monitoring dry AMD, and does not include a refraction or a sight test or any type of ‘normal’ eye examination. The treatment is currently not funded by NHS. If an existing client wants to include into the direct debit an element for eye exams etc. then we can add this to the direct debit starting from only an extra £12 per month cost, depending on complexity of client (Note, it would normally be from £20 per month).