In a person with GA, visual clarity can still be good if the macula – the central area of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision – is spared. Over 40% of people with GA have a visual acuity of 20/200 – the threshold for legal blindness – or worse. Healthy vision is 20/20.4
There are currently no treatments available to slow the progression of GA. Clinical trials are underway for potential GA treatments. Low vision aids like magnifiers or special eyeglasses may also be prescribed.1
GA is responsible for 10-20% of blindness in AMD, affecting more than five million people globally.5
GA occurs in 1.3% of people between the age of 75-84, increasing to nearly 22% after 90 years of age.5
Most common in those over 70
Associated with high body mass index (BMI)
Family history of AMD
More common among Caucasians
Nearly doubles the risk
Vision becomes less sharp or detailed
Colours seem dull or washed out
A dark spot appears in central or peripheral (side) vision
Seeing in the dark becomes difficult
Impaired vision can impact:6
The ability to carry out everyday tasks
The ability to work
The ability to lead an active social life
Quality of life, with increased social isolation, depression and anxiety disorders
GA affects the ability to perform social and manual activities, such as seeing faces, driving, reading and finding street signs.2
Additional anxiety and stress can be caused by the expectation that the vision loss associated with their condition is likely to get worse over time.2
Getting an annual eye test is the best way to detect any changes in vision. A dilated retinal examination will help to detect AMD before it progresses to GA. If you’d like more information on AMD, GA or other retinal diseases, talk to your optician or visit
References
National Eye Institute. Facts About Age-Related Macular Degeneration. [Internet; cited May 2019]. Available from:
Sacconi R, Corbelli E, Querques L, Bandello F, Querques G. A Review of Current and Future Management of Geographic Atrophy. Ophthalmology and Therapy. 2017; 6:69-77.
NHS Choices. Macular Degeneration. [Internet; cited May 2019] Available from:
Klein R, Klein BEK, Franke T. The relationship of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors to age-related maculopathy. The Beaver Dam Eye Study. Ophthalmology 1993; 100:406–14.
Amdbook. Geographic Atrophy [Internet; cited May 2019]. Available from:
Park SJ, Ahn S, Woo SJ, et al. Extent of Exacerbation of Chronic Health Conditions by Visual Impairment in Terms of Health-Related Quality of Life. JAMA Ophthalmol. 2015; 133:1267-1275.
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