Geographic atrophy is a medical term used for advanced dry age-related macular degeneration that affects our central vision. This condition affects one’s ability to drive, read, and also recognize faces. Let us read further to know more about the signs and symptoms of geographic atrophy.
What is Geographic Atrophy?
Geographic atrophy, or GA for short refers to dry age-related macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a condition of the eye that affects the macula of your retina and it significantly impairs your central vision.
Usually, geographic atrophy is a bilateral eye condition that affects both eyes. Someone with geographic atrophy will have blind spots or scotoma in their central view, and their central vision begins to deteriorate. This ultimately interferes with your ability to read, drive, and even see faces.(1)
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, it has been found that geographic atrophy is the leading cause of vision loss among older adults.(2) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, estimates that 19.8 million Americans over 40 years of age have age-related macular degeneration.(3) It is estimated that about one million individuals in the United States have geographic atrophy. (4)
Until February 2023, it was difficult to stop the progression of geographic atrophy.(5) However, The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved a drug that can be directly injected into the eye to treat geographic atrophy.
Signs and Symptoms of Geographic Atrophy
Let us quickly take a look at some of the signs and symptoms of geographic atrophy.
Small Distortions in the Vision
At first, small areas in your vision might appear blurry. This damage starts at the periphery of your macula and then moves toward the center. These small areas in your vision are referred to as blurry blind spots. This symptom itself could be problematic.
Blurred Faces
As geographic atrophy progresses, blind spots start enlarging and coalescing closer to the center of your macula. This would create difficulty in seeing faces properly and you would be seeing blurred faces.
Difficulty Seeing in Dim Light
You might also have trouble reading or driving at night if you have geographic atrophy. Over time, there is a loss of central vision. You would have difficulty seeing in dim light or you might also have trouble adjusting to darkness.
According to the American Optometric Association, this symptom could be a tricky one to spot because generally, we tend to need more light for better visibility as we age.(6)
Colors Look More Faded
Another symptom of geographic atrophy could be that the real colors might look more faded or paler than usual. Research tells us that specific photoreceptors present in the retina can be damaged in those who have geographic atrophy.(7) Those photoreceptors are sensitive to blue and red light, and thus colors would look paler or more muted.(8)
Straight Lines Appear Wavy
The National Eye Institute has reported that in late stage of geographic atrophy straight lines would appear wavy.(9) If you are concerned about this symptom you should talk to your doctor.
Conclusion
Geographic atrophy, just like other dry age-related macular degeneration could be managed well with specific dietary supplements. Moreover, now the condition can also be treated with eye injections. So, if you are experiencing changes in your vision or suspect of having geographic atrophy, consult with an expert ophthalmologist and take the necessary treatments.
References:
- https://www.nyp.org/healthlibrary/definitions/central-vision
- https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/age-related-macular-degeneration/
- https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/vehss/estimates/amd-prevalence.html
- Geographic atrophy: Mechanism of disease, pathophysiology, and role of the complement system – PMC (nih.gov)
- Drug Approval for the Treatment of Geographic Atrophy: How We Got Here and Where We Need to Go – American Journal of Ophthalmology (ajo.com)
- https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-health-for-life/adult-vision-41-to-60-years-of-age?sso=y
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ophtha.2017.08.038
- https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-and-vision-conditions/color-vision-deficiency?sso=y
- https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/age-related-macular-degeneration
