Valeda Light Therapy for Dry AMD: How It Compares to 2RT Nanosecond Laser Treatment
- Miss Shakti Thakur
- Dec 24, 2025
- 5 min read
Patients with early or intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are increasingly proactive in researching emerging treatments aimed at slowing disease progression. One option that is often discussed online is the 2RT nanosecond laser. Another, supported by a growing body of evidence, is photobiomodulation (PBM) using the Valeda Light Delivery System.
While both approaches aim to support retinal health before advanced vision loss occurs, they differ significantly in mechanism, patient selection, and clinical evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD?
Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD is a form of photobiomodulation that uses specific wavelengths of light to support retinal cell function, improve mitochondrial activity, and slow disease progression without damaging retinal tissue.
How is Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD different from 2RT nanosecond laser?
Unlike 2RT nanosecond laser treatment, which requires careful patient sub-selection based on retinal phenotype, Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD has shown benefit across a broader patient population and does not rely on laser-induced retinal injury.
Is Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD safe?
Clinical trials and real-world data show that Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD has an excellent safety profile, with no demonstrated adverse effects on the retina to date when used appropriately.
Who can benefit from Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD?
Most patients with early or intermediate dry AMD may be suitable for Valeda Light Therapy, regardless of specific retinal subtypes, following assessment by a medical retina specialist.
Does Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD improve vision?
Clinical studies show that many patients experience stabilisation of vision, and some demonstrate improvements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity.
Is Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD available at EyeMedics?
Yes. EyeMedics offers Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD following specialist assessment by Miss Shakti Thakur, Consultant Ophthalmologist specialising in medical retina.
This article explains those differences between Valeda Light Therapy and 2RT Nanosecond Laser to help patients make informed, evidence-based decisions.
2RT Nanosecond Laser: A Targeted and Selective Approach
The 2RT (Retinal Rejuvenation Therapy) nanosecond laser delivers ultra-short laser pulses to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). Unlike conventional thermal lasers, it is designed to stimulate a biological response rather than cause visible retinal burns.
The theoretical aim is to:
Trigger repair mechanisms in the RPE
Influence Bruch’s membrane function
Potentially slow progression of early AMD
What Does the Evidence Show?
The most important clinical evidence for 2RT comes from the LEAD randomised controlled trial, which evaluated sub-threshold nanosecond laser treatment in patients with intermediate AMD.
Key findings include:
No overall reduction in progression to late AMD when the entire study population was analysed
A post-hoc subgroup analysis suggested a potential benefit only in patients without reticular pseudodrusen (RPD)
Patients with RPD did not benefit, and in some analyses appeared to progress more rapidly
These results mean that very careful patient sub-selection is essential when considering 2RT, based on detailed retinal imaging and phenotype classification.
References:
Practical Implications for Patients
Because outcomes appear to depend heavily on retinal phenotype:
Not all patients with early or intermediate AMD are suitable candidates
High-resolution OCT and fundus imaging are mandatory
Even in carefully selected patients, benefit is not guaranteed
While the safety profile of 2RT is generally acceptable when used appropriately, its role remains limited to specific patient subgroups, and it is not considered a broadly applicable treatment for most AMD patients.
2RT Nanosecond Laser vs Valeda Light Therapy for Dry AMD
Aspect | 2RT Nanosecond Laser | Valeda Light Therapy (PBM) |
Treatment Type | Subthreshold nanosecond laser | Photobiomodulation (multi-wavelength light) |
Primary Mechanism | Targets retinal pigment epithelium to trigger a biological repair response | Enhances mitochondrial function and cellular metabolism across retinal tissues |
Thermal Retinal Injury | Designed to avoid thermal damage, but still laser-based | No thermal or laser injury |
Patient Selection Required | Yes – benefit seen mainly in patients without reticular pseudodrusen (RPD) | No narrow sub-selection required |
Clinical Trial Outcomes | No overall benefit; subgroup benefit only in selected phenotypes | Majority of patients stabilise or show functional improvement |
Applicability Across AMD Types | Limited to specific early/intermediate dry AMD subgroups | Suitable for most early and intermediate dry AMD patients |
Safety Profile | Generally safe when carefully selected | Excellent safety profile with no demonstrated retinal harm to date |
Invasiveness | Laser-based intervention | Non-invasive, light-based therapy |
Real-World Experience | Variable outcomes dependent on phenotype | Consistent stabilisation or benefit seen in routine clinical use |
Valeda Light Therapy for Dry AMD Compared to 2RT Nanosecond Laser
Photobiomodulation (PBM) using the Valeda Light Delivery System works through a completely different mechanism. Rather than targeting a specific retinal layer with laser energy, PBM delivers multi-wavelength light to stimulate cellular metabolism across retinal tissues.
Key Differences from 2RT
In contrast to 2RT nanosecond laser therapy:
PBM does not require narrow phenotype-based patient sub-selection
Clinical trial data show that the majority of patients either stabilise or experience functional benefit
To date, no adverse effects on the retina have been demonstrated
Treatment is non-invasive and non-thermal
What Does the Evidence Show?
The LIGHTSITE I, II, and III trials evaluated PBM in patients with dry AMD and demonstrated:
Statistically significant improvements in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity
Structural stabilisation on retinal imaging
A strong safety profile across studies
Importantly, these benefits were observed across a broad range of patients, rather than being confined to a narrowly defined subgroup.
References:
LIGHTSITE III trial overview: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250508837574/en/LumiTheras-LIGHTSITE-IIIB-Extension-Trial-Topline-Results-Show-Extended-Vision-Improvement-in-Dry-AMD-Subjects
Peer-reviewed PBM studies (PubMed): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=photobiomodulation+AMD
Real-World Experience:
Beyond clinical trials, real-world clinical experience with PBM has reinforced these findings:
Most patients either maintain stable vision or note functional improvement
Treatment is well tolerated
No retinal damage has been reported with appropriate use
What This Means for Patients with Early or Intermediate AMD
While research into laser-based retinal therapies continues, current evidence suggests:
2RT may be appropriate only for carefully selected patients, based on retinal phenotype
PBM using Valeda offers a broader, safer, and more consistently beneficial option for many patients with dry AMD
Treatment decisions should always be guided by specialist retinal assessment, not online information alone
There is no single “one-size-fits-all” approach in AMD care, but treatments with robust safety data and reproducible benefit across patient groups deserve particular consideration.
Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD is a non-invasive photobiomodulation treatment supported by clinical trial data and real-world experience. Unlike 2RT nanosecond laser therapy, it does not require narrow patient sub-selection and has shown stabilisation or improvement in vision for most patients, with no demonstrated retinal harm to date.
Valeda Light Therapy for dry AMD at EyeMedics
At EyeMedics, we offer PBM treatment using the Valeda Light Delivery System as part of a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to dry AMD care.
Consultations are led by Miss Shakti Thakur, Consultant Ophthalmologist and Medical Retina Specialist, who will:
Review your retinal scans in detail
Assess whether PBM is appropriate for your stage of AMD
Discuss expected outcomes honestly and transparently
If you have been exploring treatments such as 2RT or are unsure which options may be suitable for you, a specialist consultation can provide clarity and reassurance.
You can book an appointment with Miss Thakur to discuss whether Valeda Light Therapy may benefit you and to receive personalised advice based on your retinal imaging and clinical history.
Author
Miss Shakti Thakur, Consultant Ophthalmologist & Medical Retina Specialist Lead Expert at EyeMedics, Greater Manchester
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Treatment suitability varies between individuals and should always be assessed by a qualified ophthalmologist.
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