Over 200 people have undergone the procedure at the clinic in one year. The results are proven not only with functional analysis but also show anatomical improvement, says Dr. Yana Nikolaeva from the specialized eye hospital in an interview for “24 Chasa”.
– Dr. Nikolaeva, VISION Clinic is the first in Bulgaria and the second in Europe to introduce this innovative treatment for the dry form of macular degeneration. How many patients have undergone the therapy so far?
– This condition, which affects many elderly patients, had no treatment worldwide until 2024. We are proud to be among the first to launch a modern treatment for a disease long considered untreatable. The results have been more than encouraging. Over 200 patients have undergone the procedure within one year.
– What are the specific results?
– Our experience shows that the earlier dry macular degeneration is diagnosed and monitored by a specialist, the better the treatment outcomes and the preservation of vision. Success primarily depends on the stage of the disease. We’ve observed that the best results with the Valeda device are achieved in patients whose vision is between 20% and 50%. The outcomes are significant – 80% of patients at VISION who underwent the innovative therapy improved their vision by 20% to 30%. A small portion had a 10% improvement, while in others, follow-up examinations show vision has remained stable – these are patients with advanced macular degeneration. This proves that the device slows disease progression.
Clinical trials conducted before the device was introduced showed that most patients experienced a 10–20% improvement in vision. Our results are better, and this is confirmed not only by functional analysis. Dozens of patients who completed a second cycle of treatment showed anatomical improvement – the so-called drusen (deposits that signal degenerative changes in the macula) decreased in size and area. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for reading, writing, facial recognition, and color perception. If the macula is not functioning, only peripheral vision remains.
– Tell us a bit more about the procedures – how long do they last, are they painful or invasive?
– The treatment is safe, painless, and causes no discomfort. The procedures are non-invasive and do not require pupil dilation. The specialist explains each step of the process to the patient beforehand. Each session lasts about 5 minutes. The treatment uses a specific type of light that enhances metabolic processes in the cells, improves energy and oxygen supply, and stimulates regenerative processes in the retina. A full treatment cycle consists of 9 sessions, conducted three times a week over three consecutive weeks. Ideally, patients should undergo 3 such cycles per year.
– Are there any side effects from the procedures?
– Valeda is designed to be safe for the eyes. No side effects related to the treatment have been observed. After the procedure, patients may see bright spots – a residual image known as “photostress” – which typically resolves in a few minutes. After therapy, patients can return to their normal daily activities. Contraindications include central nervous system conditions such as migraines and epilepsy, which may be triggered by light.
– You mentioned early diagnosis is key – how is the disease detected, and do you use any specific equipment at the clinic?
– Before a patient is approved for treatment at VISION, a thorough eye examination is conducted, including pupil dilation. A set of highly specialized tests allows early diagnosis before the patient even notices symptoms. These include optical coherence tomography angiography and a wide-angle digital camera called “Aidan.” The results allow us to determine the size, extent, and shape of the degeneration. Valeda is only used in cases where the dry form of macular degeneration is confirmed.
– Can someone recognize the symptoms of dry macular degeneration on their own? What are the first signs?
– There are symptoms that suggest the presence of the disease. Most commonly, these include reduced contrast sensitivity, color distortion, or straight lines appearing wavy or bent. If such symptoms appear, the patient should immediately see an eye specialist. In 2006, a gene responsible for macular degeneration was identified. Therefore, individuals with a family history of the disease should have regular eye check-ups. Additional risk factors include smoking and cardiovascular diseases.
