San Antonio eye care
Macular degeneration (AMD) in San Antonio, TX
Macular degeneration care in San Antonio, including in-office injections for wet AMD and Valeda light therapy for dry AMD at our North Central office on Classen Rd.
New at Eye Associates of South Texas
Valeda light therapy for dry macular degeneration
We now offer Valeda photobiomodulation (PBM), one of the first FDA-authorized treatments for dry age-related macular degeneration, and we are already treating patients with it.
For years, people with dry AMD were told there was nothing to do but take vitamins and watch. Valeda changes that. In November 2024 the FDA authorized the Valeda Light Delivery System for dry AMD, based on the LIGHTSITE III clinical trial, where treated eyes gained vision compared with sham treatment.
Valeda uses three specific wavelengths of low-level light (590 nm yellow, 660 nm red and 850 nm near-infrared) to stimulate the mitochondria in retinal cells, helping the stressed cells of the macula work more efficiently. There are no needles, no injections and no heat.
How treatment works
- A short sessionYou look into the device while gentle light is shone into the eye for a few minutes. It is painless.
- A series of nineTreatments are given three times a week for about 3 to 5 weeks.
- Repeated over timeThe series is typically repeated about every four months to maintain the benefit.
Where to get Valeda
- San Antonio – North Central15650 Classen Rd, San Antonio, TX 78247
- Seguin908 E Court St, Seguin, TX 78155
Who may be a candidate
- Early to intermediate dry AMD
- Vision roughly between 20/32 and 20/70
- No wet AMD in the treated eye
- Determined by your exam and OCT scan
What is macular degeneration?
AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50. It damages the macula, the small central area of the retina responsible for sharp detail. Side vision is usually preserved.
There are two forms. Dry AMD, the most common, progresses slowly as the macula thins. Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels leak under the retina and can cause rapid vision loss, so it needs prompt treatment.
New distortion or a new dark spot in your central vision can mean wet AMD. Call the same day.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the macula, the part of the retina used for reading, driving and recognizing faces.
Macular degeneration care in San Antonio
Our North Central San Antonio office on Classen Rd offers Valeda light therapy for dry macular degeneration, one of the first FDA-authorized treatments for dry AMD.
For wet macular degeneration, Dr. Kavanagh gives anti-VEGF injections in the office. Patients at the Medical Center and South offices can be scheduled at North Central for Valeda.
Valeda at North Central San Antonio
Valeda photobiomodulation uses gentle, specific wavelengths of light to treat early and intermediate dry macular degeneration. There are no needles and no heat. Treatments are given in a series of short sessions at our North Central office at 15650 Classen Rd.
Patients who are usually seen at our Medical Center or South office can keep their regular visits there and be scheduled at North Central for Valeda sessions.
Macular degeneration care in San Antonio
Patients come to our San Antonio – Medical Center office at 10935 Wurzbach Rd, Suite 202 for macular degeneration care from Stone Oak, Alamo Heights, Shavano Park, Leon Valley, Helotes, Universal City and across San Antonio. With three San Antonio offices (Medical Center, North Central and South), there is usually one close to home or work. Dr. Kavanagh operates at three San Antonio surgery centers, plus GRMC Outpatient in Seguin.
Symptoms
- Blurry or dark area in the center of vision
- Straight lines look wavy or bent
- Needing more light to read
- Faces are harder to recognize
- Colors look less bright
Risk factors
- Age over 50
- Smoking
- Family history of AMD
- High blood pressure and heart disease
- Diet low in leafy greens
How we evaluate it
A dilated exam, OCT scan of the macula and sometimes angiography show whether AMD is present, whether it is dry or wet, and how it is changing over time.
Treatment options
Dr. Kavanagh and our team see patients for macular degeneration at our San Antonio office and across South Texas. Every plan is tailored to your eyes after an exam.
For educational purposes. This page explains common conditions and treatments to help you prepare for your visit. Your exam determines the right plan for your eyes.
NormalCentral vision loss
How it can look
Macular degeneration, seen through the patient's eyes
Drag the slider to compare normal vision with a simulation of central vision loss. Everyone's experience is different, and early stages may cause no visible change at all.
Check at home
The Amsler grid
Hold the grid at reading distance with your reading glasses on. Cover one eye and look at the center dot. If any lines look wavy, broken or missing, or a dark area appears, call us. Repeat with the other eye. This is a home check, not a substitute for an exam.
Questions
Common questions
Will I go blind from macular degeneration?
AMD rarely causes total blindness because side vision is usually kept. Early treatment of wet AMD protects central vision.
Can I have cataract surgery if I have AMD?
Yes, in most cases. Dr. Kavanagh will choose a lens suited to your macula.
What is Valeda?
Valeda is a light therapy (photobiomodulation) authorized by the FDA in November 2024 for dry AMD. Low-level yellow, red and near-infrared light is shone into the eye for a few minutes per session to support the energy production of retinal cells. We offer it at our North Central San Antonio (Classen Rd) and Seguin offices.
Which San Antonio office offers Valeda?
Valeda is offered at our North Central San Antonio office at 15650 Classen Rd. Our Seguin office offers it as well.
Do I have to switch offices for Valeda?
No. You can keep your usual San Antonio office for exams and come to North Central on Classen Rd only for your Valeda sessions.
Are injections for wet AMD done in the office?
Yes. Dr. Kavanagh gives anti-VEGF injections at our San Antonio offices.
Related conditions
