Valeda Treatment for Dry Macular Degeneration – 4½-Year Results (ARVO 2025)
Exciting new results from the ARVO 2025 meeting in the USA have highlighted the long-term benefits of Valeda Photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment for patients with dry macular degeneration. The findings come from the extension of the Lightsite III trial, known as Lightsite IIIb, which extended the initial two-year study by an additional year following an 18-month gap – providing a total follow-up of 4½ years.
Key Findings from the Lightsite IIIb Trial
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Sustained Vision Improvement: Patients receiving Valeda PBM treatment experienced an average gain of 6 letters in visual acuity over the course of the study, significantly outperforming the control group, which received no Valeda treatment.
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Reduced Geographic Atrophy Progression: The progression of geographic atrophy (areas of retinal cell loss) was slower in the Valeda-treated group, with fewer new areas of geographic atrophy forming.
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Stable Drusen Volume: Unlike the untreated group, where drusen (fatty deposits under the retina) continued to increase in volume, patients receiving Valeda therapy maintained stable drusen volume. However, it is important to note that while drusen did not reabsorb significantly, they also did not contribute to vision loss. Drusen are only harmful when they are associated with inflammation leading to geographic atrophy.
What This Means for Our Patients
These results are highly encouraging and support the growing body of evidence that Valeda PBM can provide real, long-term benefits for patients with dry macular degeneration. Our own one-year results with Valeda have also demonstrated an average improvement of nearly 5 letters in visual acuity.
Our Comprehensive Approach – Valeda and Eye-Power Red 670nm Therapy
We are proud to continue offering Valeda treatment in our practice. For those who cannot access Valeda directly, or to maintain benefits between treatments, we also provide Eye-Power Red 670nm 8mW/m² glasses for home use. This combined approach ensures that our patients have access to effective therapy both in-clinic and at home.
A Bright Future for Dry Macular Degeneration Patients
These results are a testament to the potential of photobiomodulation therapy for managing dry macular degeneration, offering hope and vision improvement for patients who previously had limited treatment options.
Full details see the news section of Lumithera.
https://lumithera.com/news/lumitheras-lightsite-iiib-extension-trial-topline-results-show-extended-vision-improvement-in-dry-amd-subjects/