About GA

  • GA causes the gradual death of retinal cells in the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision.  
  • This can cause progressive central vision loss which leads to difficulty reading, recognising faces, and seeing in low light.
  • This may present as blurred or distorted central vision, and/or visual distortions such as seeing blind spots or missing areas in the central field of vision. 
  • The disease progresses slowly, but the damage is permanent and cumulative.
  • Many people do not notice symptoms until significant vision loss has occurred. 
  • The severity of the visual disability associated with GA is evidenced by the median time to progression to legal blindness estimated at 6.2 years.

Symptoms of GA can vary from person to person, and some individuals may experience more severe vision loss than others. 

Risk Factors

Several risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing GA:

  • Adults over 50 years old
  • People with a family history of GA and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
  • Smokers and those with poor diet
  • Individuals with high exposure to UV light without eye protection 
  • Inflammation in the retina

 

How Is GA Diagnosed?

GA is diagnosed through a comprehensive retinal examination by an optometrist or ophthalmologist, which may include: 

  • Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to visualise retinal layers
  • Fundus autofluorescence imaging to detect areas of cell loss
  • Visual acuity tests to assess central vision 

Because GA can be asymptomatic in its early stages, regular eye exams are essential, especially for older adults and those at risk of AMD.

Early detection allows for timely diagnosis and monitoring, supporting informed decisions about treatment and lifestyle changes that may help slow disease progression.

 

New treatments available for the first time

Two treatments for GA have now been approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in Australia. These treatments do not restore lost vision but offer hope by slowing disease progression, giving patients more time to enjoy everyday activities like reading, driving, and seeing loved ones. 

While these treatments are approved for use in Australia, they are not yet subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). That means they remain financially out of reach for many Australians. 

 

Timely access is everything. Once vision is lost, it cannot be restored.

Listing of GA treatments on the PBS would: 

  • Make treatment affordable and accessible
  • Support equitable care across clinics
  • Empower patients to maintain independence and quality of life
  • Encourage continued research and innovation 
Your Story Can Make a Difference 

Consumer stories are vital to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC) review process for consideration of listing on the PBS.

When treatments are being considered for listing on the PBS, there is a window of opportunity where patients, care givers, family members, potential patients, patient advocacy groups, and the general public can have their say to help decision-makers understand the real-life impact of the condition.

To find out more about how to submit personal evidence to PBAC, click here.

Get involved

We invite you to take part in World Geographic Atrophy Day and help raise awareness about GA.

Here’s how you can get involved:

  • Learn About GA
    Take time to understand what GA is, the common symptoms, how it progresses, and its impact on vision. Stay alert to any changes in your eyesight. You can explore more information here.
  • Have Your Eyes Checked
    Regular eye exams are vital, especially for older adults and those at risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Early detection can lead to timely intervention and better management.
  • Spread the Word
    Share this message, talk to friends and family, share your story and advocate for PBS access. Every conversation counts.

By coming together to raise awareness, we can build a more informed and supportive community, empowering individuals to take charge of their vision health.

 

Join us to raise awareness this

World Geographic Atrophy Day!