Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare Now Offers Valeda Light Therapy for DRY Macular Degeneration

The Buffalo-area practice begins treating patients in early October with the first FDA-authorized therapy designed specifically for DRY AMD

BUFFALO, NY, UNITED STATES, October 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare has added the Valeda^® Light Delivery System to its services, giving Western New York patients with “DRY” age-related macular degeneration (AMD) access to the first FDA-authorized treatment designed specifically for the condition. The device arrived at the practice on September 22, and patient treatments will begin in early October.

Age-related macular degeneration is one of the most common causes of vision loss in adults over 60, and the DRY form accounts for the majority of cases. The disease affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for the sharp central vision people rely on to read, drive, and recognize faces. For years, patients diagnosed with DRY AMD had few options beyond nutritional supplements and routine monitoring while their vision gradually declined.

That changed in 2024, when the FDA authorized Valeda as the first treatment specifically for DRY AMD. Valeda uses photobiomodulation, a gentle light therapy that delivers three specific wavelengths of light (amber, red, and near-infrared) to the retina. Those wavelengths stimulate the mitochondria, the energy centers inside retinal cells, helping them work more efficiently. The result is better support for retinal cell function and the potential to slow disease progression. Clinical studies have also shown measurable improvements in visual acuity for many patients.

“For a long time, a DRY AMD diagnosis meant telling patients to take their vitamins and come back in six months,” said Michael J. Endl, M.D., of Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare. “Valeda gives us something proactive to offer. It’s a comfortable, non-invasive treatment that can help our patients hold on to the vision they have, and we’re excited to bring it to our community.”

One of Valeda’s biggest advantages is how easy it is for patients. Each session takes under 10 minutes and requires no dilation, eye drops, or anesthesia. The light can be delivered through open or closed eyelids, and the process is painless. Because vision is unaffected afterward, patients can drive themselves home and return to their normal routines right away.

The initial course of treatment consists of nine sessions over three to four weeks, usually scheduled three times per week. After completing the first course, patients typically return for periodic maintenance sessions to help sustain their results over the long term.

Valeda works best for patients with early to intermediate DRY AMD who still have meaningful central vision to protect. It is not used to treat wet AMD. Candidacy is determined after a comprehensive eye exam, during which a Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare eye doctor reviews the patient’s diagnosis, vision history, and treatment goals. Insurance coverage varies by plan, and the practice’s team can help patients verify their benefits before treatment begins.

“With DRY AMD, timing matters. The earlier we identify it, the more vision we have to protect,” said Thomas R. Elmer, Jr., M.D., “That’s why we encourage anyone over 60, or anyone with a family history of macular degeneration, to keep up with regular eye exams. If we see early signs of DRY AMD, Valeda is now an option we can talk through together right here in our office.”

Patients living with DRY AMD, or those told they have drusen or early macular changes, are encouraged to learn more about the Valeda Light Delivery System and find out whether they are good candidates. To schedule a Valeda evaluation, call 1-800-309-2020 or book an appointment online.

Kathy Otto
Fichte, Endl & Elmer Eyecare
+1 716-282-1115
kathy.otto@fichte.com

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