The ConfidentPatient:A Doctor Discussion Guide AboutTreating Geographic Atrophy

When dry AMD advances to GA

A dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) diagnosis can be scary, confusing, and upsetting. You may have previously noticed changes in your vision but assumed this was a normal part of aging, not an eye condition. Adapting to progressive vision loss in your daily life can be a struggle, as you may find it more difficult to drive, do housework, enjoy hobbies, and spend time with loved ones.

The advanced stage of dry AMD is called geographic atrophy (GA). If you have GA or think you might, it may be time to talk to a doctor about your options.

Slowing GA progression

While vision loss from GA cannot be reversed, there are treatment options available that help slow the progression of the disease. This can allow people with GA to maintain the vision they do have for longer. As with treatment for other types of AMD, treatment for dry AMD/GA commonly involves eye injections of drugs called complement inhibitors.

It is important to discuss any vision changes with your eye doctor, especially if your vision has recently worsened. Early diagnosis of GA is crucial in developing a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Questions for your eye care team

Do you or someone you care for have an upcoming appointment with an eye care specialist? If so, this is a great time to check in with yourself as a patient or care partner, see what’s changed, and get your questions in order.

Having an open conversation about vision changes and challenges can help you and your care team create a plan to slow progression and preserve your vision.

Not sure where to start? These questions can help guide your discussion:

    Keeping an eye on progression
  • What stage of AMD am I currently in?
  • Do I have geographic atrophy (GA)? If we’re not sure, how do we test for it?
  • How do I know whether I’m experiencing progression?
  • Are there tools I can use at home to track possible progression?
  • If I notice vision changes, when should I make an appointment rather than simply noting the change?
  • How do I know when to start, stop, or continue eye injection treatments?

    Tailoring treatment to your needs
  • What are the available treatments for dry AMD/GA?
  • What are complement inhibitors and how do they work?
  • How is my treatment schedule determined? How will you know when that schedule can be adjusted?
  • How will you evaluate whether my treatment is working or not?
  • How do I know when it’s time to consider a different injection medication?

    Questions for caregivers of GA patients
  • What treatment options can we try, and what can I do to make sure it has the best chance of working?
  • What will the treatment and its schedule look like?
  • What will I need to do to help ensure treatment adherence?

Symptom Check-in

Tracking vision changes

Some vision changes are more noticeable than others. But if certain changes persist or worsen, it may be time to address them. Let’s check in about your vision.

In the last month, have you experienced a worsening of any of the following?

☐ Blurriness, especially in your central vision
☐ Dark or “blank” spots, especially in your central vision
☐ Trouble seeing in low light or at night
☐ Visual distortions (i.e. straight lines appear wavy)
☐ Colors appearing darker or faded
☐ Difficulty driving, reading, or recognizing faces
☐ Impaired depth perception

The Check-up

What to say at your next appointment

Describing the symptoms of dry AMD/GA, such as worsening vision, can be hard. Here are some ways to share your experience:

    For patients:
  • “Daily tasks and hobbies that used to be easy for me are harder now. Can we talk about that?”
  • “I’m having more trouble seeing in low light lately, and colors look dull. Is this progression?”

    For caregivers:
  • “They’re not forgetful but are having trouble recognizing faces. Why would that be?”
  • “I’m worried about their safety in and out of the home. What resources are available that could help keep them safer?”
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