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What Treatment Sessions Typically Involve
If you've been diagnosed with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), understanding what happens during treatment sessions can help you feel more prepared and confident. This page explains the typical process from your initial assessment through to ongoing care.
Please remember that this information is general guidance only. Your individual experience may differ depending on your specific circumstances and the approach taken by your eye care professional. Always discuss your particular situation with your optician or ophthalmologist.

About Zollara Vision Services
Zollara Vision Services is a division of Zollara Ltd. We provide information and support to help you understand your treatment journey.
Before Your First Session
Before beginning any treatment course, your optician or ophthalmologist will carefully assess whether you're suitable for the therapy. This assessment is an important step that ensures the treatment is appropriate for your individual condition and circumstances.
During this initial evaluation, your eye care professional will conduct thorough eye examinations. These typically include detailed imaging of your retina, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans or other specialised retinal imaging. These scans help your clinician understand the current state of your macular health and determine the most suitable approach.
This is also an ideal time to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have. Your eye care team is there to support you, and no question is too small or unimportant. They can explain what to expect, address your worries, and help you feel comfortable with the process ahead.
Common Initial Tests
  • Visual acuity assessment
  • Retinal imaging and scans
  • Discussion of medical history
  • Explanation of treatment process
Arriving for a Session
01
Arrival at the Practice
You'll arrive at your eye care practice at your scheduled appointment time. The reception staff will check you in and guide you to the treatment area.
02
Professional Supervision
Each session is carefully planned and supervised by qualified eye care professionals who are experienced in delivering this type of therapy.
03
Calm Environment
The treatment takes place in a clinical setting designed to be calm and reassuring. The environment is clean, professional, and focused on your comfort.
Many patients find it helpful to arrive a few minutes early, especially for their first session. This gives you time to settle in, ask any last-minute questions, and feel comfortable in the surroundings. The practice team understands that this may be a new experience for you, and they're there to ensure you feel supported throughout.
During the Session
A Step-by-Step Process
During the treatment session itself, you'll be seated comfortably in front of the treatment device. The positioning is similar to having a routine eye examination – designed to be as comfortable as possible whilst allowing the equipment to work effectively.
You'll be asked to look into the device whilst specific therapeutic light is delivered to your eye. A trained operator will guide you through each step of the process, explaining what's happening and ensuring you're positioned correctly.
The actual treatment time is relatively short. Most of the appointment involves preparation and positioning, with the active light therapy lasting only a brief period. Throughout the session, you can communicate with the operator if you need to pause or if you have any concerns.
Comfortable Seating
You're positioned in a comfortable chair, similar to a standard eye examination setup.
Guided Process
A trained operator explains each step and ensures you're correctly positioned throughout.
Short Duration
The active treatment time is brief, making each session manageable and straightforward.
After the Session and Your Course of Treatment
Immediately After Your Session
Once your session is complete, most people are able to return to their normal daily activities relatively quickly. The treatment is non-invasive, and there's typically no lengthy recovery period required. However, everyone's experience can vary slightly.
Some people notice a temporary after-image or bright spot in their vision immediately following treatment. This is a normal response to the bright therapeutic light used during the session, similar to what you might experience after a camera flash. This visual effect usually resolves within a short time, though the duration can vary between individuals.
Your eye care professional will advise you on any specific precautions to take after your session. They may suggest avoiding particularly bright environments for a short period or provide other guidance tailored to your circumstances.
Your Complete Course of Treatment
1
Multiple Sessions
Treatment is delivered as a course consisting of multiple sessions rather than a single appointment.
2
Scheduled by Your Clinician
The timing and frequency of sessions are determined by your eye care professional based on clinical protocols.
3
Repeated Courses
Depending on your individual circumstances and clinical need, treatment courses may be repeated over time.
4
It's important to understand that this therapy works through a series of sessions scheduled over a period of time. Your optician or ophthalmologist will create a treatment schedule that's appropriate for your specific situation.
The number of sessions in a course and the interval between them will be determined by established clinical guidelines and your clinician's professional judgement. Consistency in attending scheduled sessions is important for the treatment to work as intended.
Some patients may require repeated courses of treatment over months or years. Your eye care professional will monitor your progress and recommend whether additional treatment courses are appropriate based on your individual response and the progression of your condition.
Ongoing Care and Follow-Up
Regular Follow-Up Appointments
Your optician or ophthalmologist will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your eye health and assess how you're responding to treatment.
Ongoing Eye Checks
Routine eye examinations and imaging continue to be an important part of managing your condition over the long term.
Open Communication
Always report any changes in your vision or new concerns to your eye care professional promptly, even between scheduled appointments.
Your relationship with your eye care professional doesn't end when your treatment course is complete. Ongoing monitoring and professional eye care remain essential components of managing dry AMD effectively. Regular check-ups allow your clinician to track changes over time and adjust your care plan as needed.
Between appointments, pay attention to your vision and note any changes, however small they might seem. If you notice any sudden alterations in your sight, new symptoms, or anything that concerns you, contact your eye care practice promptly. Early communication about changes can be important in managing your condition.
Remember that your eye care team is your partner in maintaining your eye health. Don't hesitate to ask questions, seek clarification, or discuss concerns at any point in your treatment journey. They're there to support you with professional expertise and guidance tailored to your individual needs.

Important Reminders
  • This website provides general information only and does not replace medical advice
  • Zollara Vision Services does not diagnose or treat patients
  • All treatment decisions are made by qualified eye care professionals
  • Valeda® is a trademark of LumiThera, Inc.