Dry AMD - Janjua Vision Ltd

A New Treatment to improve the sight of patients who have Dry Age-Related Macular Degeneration (Dry AMD).

As we age, our sight tends to become less clear, and some of us will develop what is known as “Dry Age-related Macular Degeneration”. When this happens, the central area of our vision darkens and becomes blurred, making it difficult to see detail, and preventing activities such as driving, reading, watching TV, using computers, tablets, and so on. Even recognising faces can prove difficult.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of poor central vision for people in their later years. As populations age, the global presence of AMD was predicted to increase by 20% between 2020 (about 196 million sufferers) and 2030 (243 million sufferers).

The retina is the light-sensitive area at the rear of the eye, and its central part, responsible for visual detail, is known as the macula. In Dry AMD, the macula develops defects which cause blurring and darkening of central vision, making it difficult to see detail, and preventing activities such as driving, reading, watching TV, using computers, tablets, and so on. Even recognising faces can prove difficult.

How Dry AMD Can Progress

Dr Janjua now has a new treatment for Dry AMD: Valeda PhotoBioModulation.

Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses low levels of red, yellow and infra-red light to stimulate the macula by energising and producing oxygen to repair cells in the retina.

PBM has been used for decades in treatment of many different diseases and disorders and has a positive safety profile.

In clinical trials using the Valeda PBM device to treat dry AMD patients, the use of the light therapy has been shown to be safe. The Valeda PBM device was designed from the outset to be eye-safe and there have been no treatment-related side effects noted in current studies.

Dr Janjua's treatment for Dry AMD is a safe, non-invasive, painless therapy which is fully approved under European and UK directives.

This new therapy has also been shown to help diabetics who have diabetic maculopathy.

Who is suitable for the Valeda therapy?

Valeda is appropriate for use in the treatment of patients who have dry age-related macular degeneration (Dry AMD) patients and are experiencing vision impairment. The length of time you've experienced Dry AMD may impact the benefits of the treatment.

Dr Janjua will evaluate your diagnosis and discuss a treatment plan with you.

Who is NOT suitable for the Valeda therapy?

As a precaution, patients will not be treated with Valeda PBM if they have any known reactions to light exposure, or if they have a history of light-activated central nervous system disorders (e.g., epilepsy, migraine). In addition, it is important that, in the 30 days before their treatment sessions, patients should not have been prescribed nor used any photosensitising medications (e.g., topicals, injectables, certain oral antibiotics, etc).

What if I have cataracts?

Patients can receive the Valeda treatment if they have cataracts.

What’s involved with the Valeda treatment? Do I need any special preparations?

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, you will be asked to remove them prior to receiving treatment. Your pupils will not be dilated for the Valeda treatment. You will be seated comfortably at the Valeda Light Delivery System. The person administering the treatment will guide you through each step of the treatment, which takes less than 5 minutes. Treatment for both eyes will take less than 10 minutes.

What are the clinical benefits of the Valeda treatment?

Clinical trials have shown benefits in visual function following a treatment regimen of three sessions a week for three to four weeks. This is the recommended treatment protocol for patients with Dry AMD.

In a recent clinical study, the patients received no more than three treatments a week and no more than one treatment in a 24 hour period.

If you miss a session, it is recommended that you make up the session within the three to four week treatment period.

Treatment with Valeda improves benefits in overall visual function including improvement in vision when scored on the eyechart, and improved detailed vision.

After completion of a treatment series, detailed imaging of the interior of the eye frequently shows improvements when assessed for drusen (drusen are protein deposits that are observed in the diseased eye).

Are there any side effects from the Valeda treatment?

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a low level light-based therapy that helps cells improve their function. PBM has been used in many different diseases and disorders for decades with a positive safety profile. In clinical trials in dry AMD patients, the use of light therapy has also been shown to be safe. Valeda is designed to be eye safe. There have been no treatment-related side effects noted in previous studies with the Valeda.

What can I expect during and after the Valeda treatment?

It is well known that looking at bright lights can produce an after-image—we’ve all experienced that effect. Another name for this is photobleaching, where the cells that “see” that specific color become fatigued. For example, if you look at a red light, those colours may fade after treatment and you will see more of the opposite color (i.e., green). This phenomenon may be seen immediately following the Valeda treatment but your eyes will recover in a couple of minutes.

You will be able to partake in your normal activities after your treatment.