Geographic Atrophy Symptoms: What to Watch for in Late-Stage AMD
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can be challenging to navigate, especially if it advances to geographic atrophy (GA). GA can impact your ability to drive, read, and potentially recognize faces. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize the symptoms of AMD and GA so you can start treatment quickly and potentially preserve your vision.
Geographic Atrophy vs Early AMD
AMD has three stages: early, intermediate, and advanced. It’s classified as either wet or dry, with dry being the most common form of the condition. Many people diagnosed with early AMD have no noticeable symptoms and never experience significant vision loss. However, dry AMD can progress to GA, leading to a wide range of symptoms like:
- Loss of vision sharpness
- Difficulty reading, driving, or doing any activity that relies on central vision
- A blind spot in your central vision
- Trouble seeing in dim lighting
- Colors becoming less vibrant
Early AMD can occur in one or both eyes. Typically, geographic atrophy affects both eyes. Furthermore, GA accounts for 20% of all legal blindness attributed to AMD.
Geographic Atrophy Risk Factors
If you’re at risk of developing GA, it’s important to understand the risk factors associated with it. The sooner GA is diagnosed, the quicker you can begin treatment, potentially preventing irreversible vision loss. GA risk factors include:
- Age: GA is most common in adults 60 or older.
- Family history: You’re more likely to develop GA if you have a family history of macular degeneration or other genetic conditions that impact the eye.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking, poor diet, and spending time in the sun without proper eye protection can increase your risk of developing GA.
- Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, like obesity, high blood pressure and cholesterol, and diabetes, can put you at risk for GA.
Treating Geographic Atrophy
Pegcetacoplan (SYOFOVRE™) and avacincaptad pegol (IZERVAY™) are recently approved medications that can slow the progression of GA. Your retina specialist will inject them directly into your eye on a monthly or bi-monthly basis. Other treatments include visual rehabilitation, antioxidant-containing supplements (known as AREDS2), and retinal surgery. The prognosis for GA varies, as it progresses differently in each person. However, clinical research for effective medications has shown promising results.
Learn More About Geographic Atrophy
Patients with geographic atrophy should start treatment as soon as possible for the best vision outcomes. At Southeastern Retina Associates, we use advanced retinal medications and surgical procedures to help individuals at any stage of AMD preserve their vision.
If you want to learn more about protecting your sight against geographic atrophy or are experiencing any concerning symptoms, please see your regular eye doctor as soon as possible, and they may refer you to one of our offices. We see patients in Chattanooga, Knoxville, the Tri-Cities, and more.