Why is Geographic Atrophy Important?

What is Geographic Atrophy?

Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration, driven by the loss of photoreceptor cells in the retina. It is a progressive and irreversible condition which greatly impacts the lives of millions of people.

GA is typically divided into two subtypes

Foveal Sparing GA

Central vision is preserved and patients are usually unaware of vision changes. Treatment is crucial at this stage to prevent lesion growth and maintain vision.

Foveal Involving GA

Patients have increased difficulty with reading and other activities as the macular becomes involved. Treatment aims to slow vision loss

Why is early GA monitoring important?

Early detection of geographic atrophy is crucial in assessing treatment options, improving quality of life and to preserve vision. New therapies and clinical trials are rapidly emerging to slow the disease progression, making early identification and referral more important than ever. There is a current unmet need for more effective screening pathways to ensure GA patients are identified early and provided with treatment opportunities.

For that reason, GATEway exists to better support optometrists and Health care professionals to assess patients.

What treatments are available?

Current treatment options for geographic atrophy include the recently TGA approved drugs; Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) and Izervay (avacincaptad pegol), with other therapies available in clinical trials.

Available Clinical Trials