Southwest Eyecare adds Valeda treatment for dry AMD in Albuquerque

Southwest Eyecare has added the Valeda Light Delivery System to its Albuquerque clinic, giving qualifying dry age-related macular degeneration patients access to the first FDA-authorized device that uses multiwavelength photobiomodulation. The move expands noninvasive treatment options in New Mexico for a condition long managed mainly with monitoring and supplements.

Why it matters: - Southwest Eyecare is now offering a noninvasive treatment option for early-to-intermediate dry age-related macular degeneration at its primary Albuquerque facility. - The addition gives qualifying patients access to a therapy intended to help maintain or improve functional vision in a condition that has historically had limited active treatment options. - The Valeda Light Delivery System is the first and only FDA-authorized medical device using multiwavelength photobiomodulation for this use.

What happened: - Southwest Eyecare integrated the Valeda Light Delivery System into its clinical offerings at 7110 Wyoming Boulevard NE in Albuquerque. - The practice is expanding access to the device in New Mexico for adults with qualifying dry AMD. - The system is now part of Southwest Eyecare’s medical eye care services, which also include glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic eye disease, corneal conditions, dry eye and routine exams.

The details: - Valeda is a benchtop therapeutic device that uses three wavelengths of noncoherent light. - The treatment is fully noninvasive and requires no injections, anesthesia or pupil dilation. - The standard protocol involves nine brief outpatient sessions over three to five weeks. - Maintenance cycles are typically evaluated every four to six months, depending on the patient’s condition and physician recommendations. - The device is intended for adults with early or intermediate dry AMD. - Valeda is not indicated for wet macular degeneration or center-involving geographic atrophy. - Patients need a comprehensive baseline eye examination to determine whether the treatment is appropriate. - During the LIGHTSITE clinical trials, 84% of treated patients maintained or improved visual acuity at about two years compared with baseline. - More than 60% of treated patients improved by at least one line on a standard eye chart at two years. - Trial results showed a decreased incidence of new-onset geographic atrophy compared with a sham control group. - Trial materials reported no phototoxicity or serious treatment-related ocular pain events. - The system was originally developed by LumiThera and later acquired by Alcon. - The FDA granted De Novo marketing authorization in November 2024. - Southwest Eyecare says the treatment is meant to offer an active, noninvasive intervention for qualifying patients.

Between the lines: - The launch reflects a broader shift from passive monitoring toward active management for some patients with dry AMD. - The availability of an FDA-authorized device in an Albuquerque practice could make specialized treatment easier to reach for patients who otherwise might need to travel for care. - The clinical data cited in the release positions Valeda as a potential option for patients seeking more than supplements and observation, but the treatment still depends on a baseline exam and diagnosis.

What’s next: - Patients with dry AMD, or those noticing visual distortion, central blind spots or trouble reading fine print, are being encouraged to schedule a comprehensive evaluation. - Southwest Eyecare will likely continue offering follow-up and maintenance-cycle assessments for eligible patients already using the device. - More information or appointments are available by calling (505) 346-0500 or visiting Southwest Eyecare.

The bottom line: - Southwest Eyecare is bringing an FDA-authorized, noninvasive dry AMD therapy to Albuquerque, expanding treatment options for patients with a disease that has long had few active interventions.