PBM is the use of low levels of light to stimulate cellular activity to provide beneficial effects. The Valeda® Light Delivery System is a medical device that uses PBM to improve vision. The Valeda® from LumiThera® delivers low-intensity, non-coherent, multi-wavelengths of light at 590, 660, and 850 nanometers to the retinal tissue stimulating mitochondrial metabolic activity, increasing available energy for the cells, reducing
oxidative stress and inflammation, to improve vision in eyes with early- and intermediate-stage nonexudative (dry) age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It was authorized by the FDA in November 2024.
The Valeda® Light Delivery System is intended to provide improved visual acuity in patients with best corrected visual acuity of 20/32 through 20/70 and who have dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) characterized by the presence of at least 3 medium drusen (> 63 μm and ≤ 125 μm in diameter), or large drusen (> 125 μm in diameter), or non-central geographic atrophy, and the absence of neovascular maculopathy or
center-involving geographic atrophy. After about two years, the Valeda® Light Delivery System treatment provides improved mean visual
acuity of approximately one line of visual acuity (ETDRS) compared to those not receiving the treatment.
Maybe. PBM is the first treatment shown to improve vision loss associated with early and intermediate-stage dry AMD. LIGHTSITE III
provides compelling evidence to support coverage of PBM in an office setting for qualifying patients.
Use an ICD-10-CM code in the H35.31- series to report nonexudative age-related macular degeneration. Use the sixth digit to identify
the eye(s) and the seventh digit to identify the stage of the disease. The number 1 in the seventh digit means early stage and the number 2 means intermediate stage dry AMD.
Use Category III CPT code 0936T (Photobiomodulation therapy of retina, single session). A session occurs on a single day. CPT instructs, For bilateral procedure, report 0936T with modifier 50. This code was inaugurated January 1, 2025.
Valeda treatment is typically administered in a series of nine sessions spread over three weeks, with patients receiving three sessions per week. This cycle is generally repeated every four months to maintain therapeutic benefits. However, the exact schedule may vary, as your doctor will customize the treatment plan based on your eye health and how you respond to previous sessions.
Yes, Valeda is a safe and non-invasive treatment that uses low-level LED light. It is not a laser and does not cause heat damage.
Valeda should not be used by individuals with known photosensitivity to yellow, red, or near-infrared light, those with a history of light-activated neurological conditions such as epilepsy or migraines, or anyone who has used photosensitizing medications (topical or injectable) within the past 30 days.
While Valeda can support retinal health and may improve vision for some patients, it does not cure dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and vision improvement is not guaranteed. Dry AMD may still progress over time, and in certain cases, patients may eventually develop wet AMD. Your doctor will monitor your condition closely throughout treatment to help manage these risks.
Valeda Light Delivery Treatment is a specialized service, and insurance coverage can vary. To prevent unexpected charges, full payment is collected at your first visit. Our team will submit a claim to your insurance on your behalf, and if your plan provides coverage for the treatment, we’ll issue a refund accordingly.
