Macular Degeneration Treatment in Garden City & Fresh Meadows
Specialized diagnosis and personalized treatment for dry and wet age-related macular degeneration, including
Valeda® Light Therapy for qualifying patients with dry AMD.
Understanding Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration, commonly called AMD, affects the macula—the central portion of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. As the condition progresses, patients may have difficulty reading, recognizing faces, driving, or completing other activities that require clear central vision.
Although AMD does not typically cause complete blindness, early detection and ongoing retinal care are important for protecting the vision you have.
Signs and Symptoms
Macular degeneration may not cause noticeable symptoms during its earliest stages. As it progresses, patients may experience:
- Blurred or distorted central vision
- Straight lines appearing wavy
- Difficulty reading or recognizing faces
- A dark or empty area in the center of vision
- Reduced brightness or intensity of colors
- Increased difficulty seeing in low-light conditions
Any sudden or significant change in vision should be evaluated promptly by an ophthalmologist.
Dry and Wet Macular Degeneration
There are two primary forms of age-related macular degeneration.
Because treatment depends on the type and stage of AMD, a comprehensive retinal evaluation is necessary to determine the right approach for each patient.
Dry AMD is the more common form and generally progresses gradually as the cells of the macula deteriorate.
Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood or fluid. It can cause more rapid and significant vision loss.
Valeda® Light Therapy for Dry AMD
The Valeda® Light Delivery System is a noninvasive treatment available for qualifying patients with dry age-related macular degeneration. It uses photobiomodulation technology to deliver carefully selected wavelengths of light to the retina and support cellular function.
Each treatment takes only a few minutes and does not involve injections or surgery. Because Valeda® is intended for patients with specific forms and stages of dry AMD, a retinal evaluation is required to determine candidacy. The FDA authorized Valeda® for improving visual acuity in qualifying dry-AMD patients; results vary, and it is not intended for wet AMD.
Macular Degeneration Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Mark Fleckner and Dr. N. Gila Zilkha use advanced retinal imaging and a detailed eye examination to identify changes in the macula and monitor the condition over time.
Treatment recommendations depend on whether AMD is dry or wet, its severity, and the individual patient’s needs. Care may include nutritional recommendations, routine monitoring, injectable medications, or other advanced therapies designed to preserve vision and manage disease progression.
Experienced Care for Retinal Disease
As board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologists specializing in diseases of the retina, Dr. Fleckner and Dr. Zilkha provide advanced, personalized care for patients with macular degeneration. With offices in Garden City and Fresh Meadows, specialized retinal care is conveniently available to patients throughout Long Island and Queens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry AMD generally develops gradually as cells within the macula deteriorate. Wet AMD involves abnormal, leaking blood vessels beneath the retina and may cause more rapid vision loss.
There is currently no cure for AMD, and treatment cannot always restore vision that has already been lost. However, early diagnosis and appropriate care may help preserve vision, manage progression, or improve visual function in certain patients.
Valeda® is intended for patients with specific forms and stages of dry AMD. Dr. Fleckner or Dr. Zilkha will evaluate your vision and retinal health to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for you.
No. Valeda® is a prescription medical device that delivers specific wavelengths of yellow, red, and near-infrared light to the eye. It is not the same as an over-the-counter red-light lamp.
The recommended schedule depends on the type and severity of AMD. Your retina specialist will establish a monitoring schedule based on your examination and imaging results.
Protect Your Central Vision
Early diagnosis and specialized treatment can make an important difference in managing macular degeneration. Schedule an evaluation at our Garden City or Fresh Meadows office to learn more about your condition and available treatment options.
