Points of View: Geographic Atrophy

Sheppard, MD: Although blindness is an inherently obvious disability, more subtle early progression changes can be quantified by validated vision-related quality of life questionnaires. Prospective validated population based data addressing cataract surgery as well as timely intervention for otherwise blinding macular disease clearly demonstrates enhanced functionality, improved safety, and reduced anxiety in fortunate patients experiencing incremental visual acuity improvements from either surgery or targeted medication therapy.

Adyanthaya, MD: One of the problems in early diagnosis of geographic atrophy is that when visual acuity is tested with the Snellen chart, patients will usually have good vision. It is only when the lesions involve the fovea that visual acuity decreases significantly. Patients with early non-foveal geographic atrophy will complain of nonspecific vision symptoms such as decreased contrast sensitivity, reduced reading speed, need for more light and missing letters while reading books or magazines. These can be subtle clues of early geographic atrophy and warrant a dilated eye exam and macular scans.

Rachon, OD, FAAO: Geographic atrophy affects central vision, and this can have a huge impact on quality of life. Patients may lose their ability to read, they may not be comfortable to drive, and they may not be able to see the faces of their loved ones. Studies have linked geographic atrophy to higher fall risk and comorbidities such as depression and other mental health issues.