Treatment for AMD

VISION offers the most innovative and advanced treatment for the dry form of macular degeneration in the country

Procedure
Expected Results
Suitable Patients
Side Effects & Risks

Treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) depends on its type — dry or wet form.

For the dry form, VISION is the first clinic in Bulgaria to offer the Valeda Light Delivery System — an innovative, non-invasive light therapy that stimulates retinal cells, slows the progression of the disease, and can improve vision within just a few weeks. It is the world’s first approved light therapy designed to slow the progression of dry macular degeneration.

The wet form of AMD is treated with injectable medications (anti-VEGF therapies), which stop the growth of new abnormal blood vessels and prevent further deterioration of vision.

If left untreated, the dry form of macular degeneration can progress to the wet form, which may lead to irreversible changes and vision loss.

The Procedure

Dry form of AMD

Scientific studies and accumulated global experience show that the innovative technology in the Valeda Light Therapy System helps improve visual acuity and slows the progression of the dry form of macular degeneration. The therapy is most effective in patients with early or intermediate stages of the disease.

The treatment takes 4–5 minutes per eye and consists of 9 sessions — 3 sessions per week, over 3–4 consecutive weeks. It can be applied to just one eye or both eyes at once.

The first results appear about 4 weeks after the final session. Clinical data shows that patients who undergo this therapy improve their vision by two to three lines on the visual acuity chart. In some cases, repeat treatment may be necessary.

Wet form of AMD

Treatment of wet macular degeneration is performed using intravitreal injections.

Before the procedure, anaesthetic drops are applied, after which the doctor injects a small amount of medication directly into the eye using a fine, single-use needle. The procedure takes less than a minute; the patient remains under observation briefly and then leaves. There is usually no pain—only mild discomfort or a “gritty” sensation in the eye, which resolves within a few hours.

Treatment involves a series of injections, whose frequency is determined on an individual basis, depending on the patient’s imaging results (OCT). The goal is to stop further damage to the macula, reduce swelling, and preserve the central vision.

Preparing for the procedure

Post-procedure care

Expected Results

Using the VALEDA Light Therapy system to treat he dry form of macular degeneration helps to improve the overall visual function. According to scientific data, patients undergoing this treatment experience an improvement of two to three lines on the visual acuity chart. The device enhances contrast sensitivity and visual clarity and slows the progression of the dry form of macular degeneration.

Injections for the wet form of macular degeneration aim to stop disease progression and preserve vision.

Recommended for:

Patients over 55 years of age
Patients with a family history of the condition
Patients with high blood pressure
Smokers

Not recommended for:

Valeda

Patients with disorders of the central nervous system — epilepsy, migraine, etc.
Patients who have used photosensitising medications within the last 30 days

Anti-VEGF injections

Active infection in the eye
Allergy or hypersensitivity to the medication used

Side Effects

Valeda

temporary light sensitivity that goes away shortly after the procedure

Anti-VEGF Injections

eye redness or swelling
“gritty’ feeling in the eye
sensitivity to light
temporary blurring after the procedure

Risks

Valeda

There are no risks with this procedure

Anti-VEGF injections

Infection in the eye
Bleeding at the injection site
Temporary increase in intraocular pressure

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, patients with cataracts can receive either treatment, depending on their specific condition.

Yes, the procedure is perfectly safe.

I signed up for а procedure with the VALEDA system out of desperation and not because I believed that it would actually do something. I checked and verified that it really is being used in the USA (as is claimed). Very recently before that, I had discovered that I had the incurable eye disease, macular degeneration – dry form. I visited the VISION clinic, the service and care was of a very high standard. At the end of the month following the procedures, I felt an improvement, but thought that I was imagining it. After a scan, it turned out that there was a change in my severely damaged eye. I saw with my own eyes that some of the retinal distortions had straightened out. I’d like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Gancheva and the entire team of the clinic for their professional and very human attitude towards me. Dr. Gancheva explained that by continuing with a maintenance treatment with this system, good results can be achieved and not only the progression of the disease can be stopped, but also the condition can be improved. I am delighted that such a result was achieved!

Zlatka Cekova

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with macular degeneration – the dry form in both eyes. I learned about a new revolutionary treatment for the disease from a TV program featuring Dr. Anna Gancheva. At VISION Eye Hospital, I underwent therapy with the Valeda device, which included 9 short, painless, and non-contact procedures. More than a month later, during a follow-up examination, it was found that there was a significant improvement in my vision. The prescription of my glasses also changed. I would like to thank Dr. Gancheva and her team for the comfort and professional attitude during the examinations and therapy.
D.D