Geographic Atrophy Progression and Outlook
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive disease that impacts the eyes. Progressive conditions can slowly get worse over time. For some people, AMD can progress into a different condition called geographic atrophy (GA). GA may further impact your vision.1,2
What is geographic atrophy (GA)?
AMD has 3 stages as it progresses called early, intermediate, and advanced. In the advanced stage, there are 2 different types of AMD. These are called dry AMD and wet AMD. GA is the advanced form of dry AMD. In GA, areas of damage (lesions) in the eye spread to new regions of the eye.1,2
About 20 percent of people who have AMD will develop GA. GA typically impacts both eyes. Symptoms of GA include:1,2
- Vision that is less sharp
- Difficulty reading, driving, using computers, or doing other tasks that use your eyes
- Dark or blind spot in the middle of your vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Colors looking less bright
- Difficulty recognizing faces
How does GA progress?
GA is a progressive condition, but it progresses differently for everyone. The progression is caused by the size of the lesion on the eye. Most people will fully lose sight only in the center of the vision.1-3
GA progression causes vision to get worse over time. Your progression will depend on the size of the lesions. Progression is not always constant. If the lesions spread to a part of the eye called the fovea, your vision can get worse very quickly. This may be called late-stage GA.1-3
GA progression can impact your quality of life. One study found that about 2 in 3 people with GA could not drive about 2 years after diagnosis. GA may also lead to legal blindness over time. The average time to blindness after the onset of GA is about 6 years. Any vision loss from GA cannot be reversed. But, treatments may slow progression.1-3
What are the risk factors for GA?
Old age is the biggest risk factor for GA. The average person is 79 at the age they are diagnosed.1,2
The good news is, you may be able to lower your risk of developing GA. Ways to lower your risk include:1-3
- Not smoking or quitting smoking if you do
- Managing conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and high cholesterol
- Protecting your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses
- Wearing protective safety glasses for dangerous work and sports
- Eating healthy and staying active
How is GA treated?
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved 2 drugs for GA. Both drugs can slow disease progression. They are called Syfovre™ (pegcetacoplan) and Izervay™ (avacincaptad pegol). Both drugs are given as a shot (injection) into the eye. They do not fix any existing damage. But they may prevent your vision from getting worse.1,2
Vision tools may also help you maintain quality of life. This could include special prescription glasses or magnifying glasses. Talk with your doctor if you are worried about GA progression. They may have suggestions for treatments or other vision solutions.1,2
Join the conversation