28 November, 2024
For World Geographic Atrophy Day 2024 on 5th December, Retina Australia is raising awareness for this leading cause of vision loss in people over the age of 65 years old.
Geographic atrophy (GA) is is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
It occurs when the photoreceptors and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells at the macula die over time, causing a gradual, painless but permanent loss of central vision. The macula is the central part of the retina that processes what you see directly in front of you, that is, your central vision. It allows you to achieve high-resolution vision and accounts for your ability to read, recognise faces and to see the world in detail and colour.
About geographic atrophy
It is estimated that there are up to 100,000 Australians living with GA.
Geographic atrophy is a form of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which primarily affects the macula, which is the part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. GA occurs when cells in the macula begin to deteriorate, leading to the gradual loss of vision. This condition can significantly impact daily activities like reading, driving, and recognising faces.
In Australia, there is an urgent need to address the impact of GA. The financial burden of GA-related vision loss exceeds $1.8 billion annually, including $377.23M in direct healthcare costs, $312.74M in indirect healthcare costs and $1,112.49M in wellbeing costs.
Recognising the Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of GA is crucial for early detection. Here are some signs to watch for:
- Gradual central vision loss – Over time, you might develop blind spots in your central vision, making it hard to focus on details.
- Blurred or distorted central vision – You might notice that straight lines appear wavy or that objects seem blurry.
- Difficulty with low-light vision – You may struggle to see in dimly lit environments or at night due to reduced night vision.
- Decreased contrast sensitivity – It may be harder to distinguish objects of similar shades or colours, affecting activities like reading and navigating unfamiliar areas.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is advised that you consult your eye care professional as soon as possible.
Risk Factors
Several risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing GA:
- Family History – Genetics can significantly increase the risk of geographic atrophy (GA) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Lifestyle Choices – Smoking is the most significant modifiable risk factor for GA, along with diet and UV light exposure. Protecting your overall health can help preserve your vision.
- Ageing – This is the main non-modifiable risk factor, with risk increasing significantly after the age of 50.
- Inflammation – Retinal inflammation can cause dysfunction in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptor damage, resulting in GA lesions.
The Importance of Early Detection
Early detection of GA is key to managing the condition. Regular eye exams can help identify changes in your vision and allow for timely intervention. Early diagnosis and recording of progression can help make informed decisions about your eye health and lifestyle adjustments that may assist in slowing deterioration.
Emerging Treatments
Two treatments for GA have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are available in the US: Avacincaptad pegol (Izervay, Astellas Pharmaceutical) and Pegcetacoplan (Syfovre, Apellis Pharmaceuticals), with additional clinical trials ongoing. These medications are not currently approved for use in Australia and are undergoing review by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). It is hoped that the first treatments for GA will become available in Australia within the next 12 months to prevent vision loss.
Join the Movement
On December 5th, we invite you to participate in World Geographic Atrophy Day. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Educate Yourself – Take the time to learn more about GA and its implications. Stay aware of any changes in your vision. You can find more information about GA here.
- Have your eyes checked – Regular check-ups can help ensure that any potential issues are caught early, allowing for potential timely intervention.
- Spread the Word – Share this article, talk to friends and family about GA, and help us raise awareness in our community.
- Understanding geographic atrophy is especially important for those in at-risk groups. By raising awareness, we can foster a supportive community and help those affected feel empowered in managing their vision health.
Together, let’s make a difference this
World Geographic Atrophy Day!
The World Geographic Atrophy Day 2024 campaign has been exclusively sponsored by Astellas Pharma Australia
https://retinaaustralia.com.au/world-geographic-atrophy-day-2024/
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