The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new light therapy device for treating age-related macular degeneration (AMR), a leading cause of vision loss in Americans aged 40 and older. This device, called the Valeda Light Delivery System, is designed to improve the sight of individuals with dry AMR, which accounts for 70-90% of cases of the disease.
Dry AMR affects the center of the retina, causing progressive damage to the light-detecting region at the back of the eye. The Valeda Light Delivery System, developed by LumiThera, uses three light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit light of different wavelengths, including yellow, red, and near-infrared light. These wavelengths have been shown to have a positive effect on the mitochondria in the retina, which are responsible for producing energy and repairing damage.
Clinical trials of the device involving 100 individuals with early or intermediate stage dry AMR showed promising results. Participants who received treatment with the Valeda Light Delivery System saw an improvement in vision, with treated eyes able to read at least five more letters on an eye chart compared to before treatment. Additionally, a lower percentage of treated eyes progressed to the most advanced stage of AMR, indicating a potential benefit in slowing disease progression.
Based on these findings, the FDA has approved the Valeda Light Delivery System for marketing as a treatment for certain dry AMD patients. The device is most effective in the early stages of the disease, before permanent vision loss occurs. This new treatment option provides hope for individuals with dry AMR, offering a way to improve vision and potentially slow the progression of the disease.
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