Signs and Symptoms of Geographic Atrophy

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Geographic atrophy (GA) is a late-stage manifestation of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and is a significant cause of vision loss among the elderly. Despite the preservation of central visual acuity in some cases, GA can severely impact visual function and quality of life2. Understanding the signs and symptoms of GA is crucial for early detection and management.

Visual Function Decline

Patients with GA often experience a decline in visual function, which can be measured through various functional endpoints. These include changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), low-luminance visual acuity, and reading speed. Studies have shown that the enlargement of GA lesions correlates with a deterioration in these visual functions over time1. However, the correlation between GA lesion size and visual function outcomes is not always strong, indicating that lesion size alone may not predict visual impairment1.

Lesion Characteristics and Growth

The growth rate of GA lesions is influenced by several factors, including lesion perimeter, size, number, and circularity. A strong correlation exists between GA area growth rate and lesion perimeter, suggesting that the shape and spread of lesions play a critical role in disease progression3. This growth can lead to further compromise in visual function, even if central visual acuity remains relatively intact2.

Impact on Quality of Life

The presence of GA significantly affects patients’ quality of life. Despite the absence of effective treatments to halt or reverse GA, the condition leads to a considerable compromise in visual function, impacting daily activities and independence2. Functional outcomes such as reading independence and visual function questionnaires highlight the challenges faced by individuals with GA1.

Treatment and Management

Currently, there are no approved treatments for GA, although research into complement inhibition therapies, such as pegcetacoplan, shows promise in slowing the progression of GA lesions. However, these treatments have not demonstrated significant improvements in functional vision outcomes4. The management of GA primarily focuses on monitoring disease progression and supporting patients in adapting to visual changes.

Conclusion

Geographic atrophy is characterized by a decline in visual function and quality of life, driven by the growth and characteristics of atrophic lesions. While lesion size and perimeter are important indicators of disease progression, they do not fully predict the impact on visual function. Ongoing research into potential treatments offers hope for future management strategies, but current approaches remain limited to supportive care and monitoring.

Disclaimer

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