If you've been told there's “nothing to do but watch and wait” for your dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), that's no longer the case. Dr. Thibodeaux, optometrist at Breaux Bridge Eye Care in Louisiana, now offers Valeda™ PBM, the first and only FDA-authorized treatment shown to improve and maintain vision in patients with dry AMD — no surgery, no injections, no dilation.
Wondering what to expect from your first light therapy session for dry macular degeneration? Watch a real patient at Breaux Bridge Eye Care receive Valeda™ PBM treatment. As you'll see, there's no needle, no dilation, and no discomfort — you simply sit back and relax while the device delivers therapeutic light to your eyes for a few minutes per session. Contact Breaux Bridge Eye Care for your consultation.

Valeda uses photobiomodulation (PBM) — three specific, science-backed wavelengths of low-level light — to stimulate energy production inside retinal cells. Dry AMD is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction in the retina; Valeda's light activates a key enzyme in retinal cells to boost cellular energy (ATP) production, supporting healthier retinal tissue and better visual function over time.
Valeda is designed for patients with early to intermediate dry AMD, including those with:
● Medium or large drusen deposits
● Non-central geographic atrophy
● Best-corrected visual acuity between 20/32 and 20/70
It is not appropriate for patients with wet (neovascular) AMD or central-involving geographic atrophy, or for those with certain light sensitivities or seizure disorders. Our team will confirm candidacy with a comprehensive dilated eye exam.
Valeda PBM is a quick, in-office treatment — no needles, no anesthesia, no dilation, and no downtime. A full treatment course is 54 sessions delivered over three courses per year across two years, with each course spaced three to five weeks apart.
In the LIGHTSITE III clinical trial, Valeda met its primary efficacy endpoint at Month 21. Among treated patients:
● 84% improved or maintained vision at about two years compared to baseline
● More than 60% gained one or more lines of vision improvement
● Zero reports of phototoxicity were recorded across three LIGHTSITE trials
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dry macular degeneration, don't wait for it to progress. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Thibodeaux at Breaux Bridge Eye Care to find out if Valeda PBM light therapy is right for you.
Please reach us at drthibodeaux@breauxbridgeeye.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
Not yet. Dry AMD currently has no cure, but Valeda PBM is the first and only FDA-authorized treatment shown to improve and maintain vision in patients with early to intermediate dry AMD — helping preserve the sight you have rather than watching it decline untreated.
Wet AMD is typically managed with injections that slow abnormal blood vessel growth. Valeda PBM works differently — it uses light therapy to support the retina's own cellular energy production, and it's intended specifically for dry AMD, not wet AMD.
No. Treatment sessions are painless, non-invasive, and require no dilation, anesthesia, or downtime. Most patients return to normal activities immediately after each session.
A full course involves 54 sessions delivered in six rounds over two years, spaced three to five weeks apart within each round. Dr. Thibodeaux will walk you through the full schedule during your consultation.
Coverage varies by plan. Our team at Breaux Bridge Eye Care can help you understand your options during your visit.
Candidacy depends on the stage and characteristics of your AMD. Dr. Thibodeaux will perform a comprehensive dilated eye exam to determine whether Valeda PBM is appropriate for you.
You can vist the VALEDA website to learn even more about this therapy.
Schedule an appointment, today!
1525 East Bridge Street, Breaux Bridge, Louisiana 70517, United States
Open today | 09:00 am – 05:00 pm |