Geographic Atrophy Treatment in Connecticut: Slowing Vision Loss with Expert Retinal Care
Imagine waking up one day and realizing you can’t recognize faces well and words on a page look blurry. This could be a sign of geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). At Retina Consultants, P.C., we are equipped to diagnose and treat geographic atrophy at our five offices in Manchester, Cromwell, Hartford, Farmington, and Enfield. With a team of six vitreoretinal specialists, you can feel confident in our retinal care.
What is geographic atrophy?
Geographic atrophy is an advanced form of dry AMD, which affects about 20% of AMD patients. In GA, the condition causes parts of the retina, especially the macula, to thin out and lose function. Unlike the “wet” form of AMD, GA does not involve abnormal blood vessel growth. However, it can significantly affect quality of life if left unmanaged.
Early symptoms of geographic atrophy may include difficulty reading, needing more light to see clearly, or noticing dark or empty spots in your central vision. Since these changes can develop slowly, many people don’t realize how much their vision has been affected until the condition has progressed.
Who is at risk of geographic atrophy?
About 1 in 5 people with AMD are at risk of geographic atrophy. Risk factors include:
- Age: Most people diagnosed with GA are aged above 60, and the risk increases with age.
- Lifestyle: Tobacco use heightens the risk of geographic atrophy. Some research also links a poor diet and lack of exercise to GA.
- Family history: Geographic atrophy runs in families. So, if a close family member, such as your parent, has GA, you are likely to develop the condition.
How do you diagnose geographic atrophy?
The best way to catch GA is by consulting a retina office such as Retina Consultants, P.C. We rely on advanced tools to diagnose geographic atrophy:
- Optical coherence tomography (OCT): Provides high-resolution images of the retina to detect areas of thinning.
- Fundus photography: It’s a painless, non-invasive procedure that captures images of the retina to track changes over time.
When diagnosed with GA, it’s common for you to experience emotional changes alongside visual ones. Many patients feel overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure about the future of their vision. These feelings are a normal response to any change, and it’s okay to give yourself time to adjust. Our team offers valuable support, guidance, and reassurance every step of the way. Many patients also find great encouragement and valuable guidance with low-vision support groups.
How is geographic atrophy treated?
Currently, there is no treatment available to cure or reverse geographic atrophy. However, recent advancements have introduced new therapies that can help slow the progression of geographic atrophy.
Two notable options are Syfovre (pegcetacoplan) and Izervay (avacincaptad pegol). These medications have shown promise in slowing the disease, although clinical studies indicate they do not restore lost vision.
Other interventions include nutritional therapy, including AREDS2 supplementation. Your doctor may also recommend quitting smoking and managing conditions that affect healthy blood circulation.
Looking for geographic atrophy treatment in Connecticut?
Do not let geographic atrophy define your future. With advanced retinal care, many patients continue to maintain independence and quality of life. At our office, we also help you stay informed about evolving treatment options.
To get started with our advanced retinal care, call us at:
Hartford
Manchester
Cromwell
Farmington
Enfield
A diagnosis of geographic atrophy no longer means you are limited to lifestyle recommendations and lifestyle support. Newly approved treatments provide a significant difference in your vision and life.
