A SPOTLIGHT ON GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY

Geographic Atrophy Awareness Week: December 1 – December 7

Approximately 2 million Americans suffer from a severe form of “Dry” Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) known as Geographic Atrophy (GA). GA is an advanced and progressive form of AMD that primarily affects the central retina – the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. Unlike the “Wet” form of AMD, which involves abnormal blood vessel growth, GA is driven by the gradual death of retinal cells. This causes the retina to wear down over time, creating well-defined patches of degeneration. Over time, these patches expand, compromising central vision and creating visual blind spots. This can make daily tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, or driving increasingly difficult and can profoundly impact a person’s quality of life.

One of the most challenging aspects of GA is how quietly it can develop. Early symptoms can be subtle: maybe you need brighter light to read, or you find it takes a long time to adjust when walking from a bright room into a darker one. These changes are easy to brush off as normal aging, which is why regular eye exams are so important. Modern imaging tools allow eye doctors to spot early retinal changes long before vision loss becomes noticeable. The earlier GA is detected, the sooner you can make a plan with your eye care provider to monitor or treat it.

The good news is that treatment options for GA have recently improved. In 2023, the FDA approved the very first medications designed specifically to slow the progression of GA: Syfovre and Izervay. Both medications are given as injections in the eye at regular intervals. While these treatments don’t restore lost vision, they offer a way to preserve remaining retinal structure and help slow down the growth of GA lesions, giving people more time with the vision they have.

The FDA has also recently approved photobiomodulation (PBM), a light therapy treatment. Studies have shown that patients with “Dry” AMD treated with PBM were less likely to progress to GA. Many patients find comfort in knowing that treatment options now exist. Looking ahead, research continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. Scientists are now exploring cell therapies like OpRegen, which uses transplanted retinal pigment epithelial cells to potentially regenerate damaged tissue. These efforts not only offer hope for more effective treatments but also underscore the critical role of awareness.

As we recognize Geographic Atrophy Awareness Week, it’s important to spread the word, highlight the significance of both early detection and treatment, and encourage routine eye examinations. Awareness empowers patients to recognize symptoms, advocate for regular eye care, and understand that intervention is now possible. GA may still be incurable, but with new therapies, we have meaningful tools to slow its progression – and for many, that translates into preserving vision for a longer, more fulfilling life.

If you have not had a comprehensive eye exam recently, now is the perfect time to schedule one with our Atlantic Eye team and take an important step towards protecting your vision. Please call 732-222-7373 or use our convenient online appointment form to get started.

Sushma Gangisetty, OD, FAAO
Optometry
Atlantic Eye