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If you have 20/20 vision, you’re in the lucky minority: At least 2.2 billion people have a near or distance vision impairment. And, even if you’ve had good eyesight all your life, vision changes as you get older shouldn’t be dismissed as a natural part of aging. In some cases, they may signal the onset of a more serious condition, like geographic atrophy (GA).
GA generally impacts people age 55 and older, and an estimated 1.5 million Americans are living with the disease. GA is the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration, which happens when the light-sensitive cells in the central part of the retina, the macula, break down over time, which can result in permanent vision loss.
When it comes to GA, early detection through routine eye exams may make a significant difference.
What are the most common signs of GA?
According to vitreoretinal surgeon John Kitchens, MD, it’s important to identify GA with a retina specialist’s assistance.
Everyone experiences GA symptoms differently. Common symptoms include seeing straight lines that look wavy or crooked, difficulty seeing in low light or at night, blurriness or blank spots in the field of vision, and seeing washed-out colors. However, some people have no noticeable early symptoms at all.
Dr. Kitchens stresses that you should never chalk vision changes up to being a natural part of the aging process, and telling your eye doctor immediately about any changes is critical.
How does GA typically progress over time?
“The progression rate for GA can really vary. Some patients may experience rapid changes,” says Dr. Kitchens. Once GA takes hold, it may advance quickly: According to one study, half of those living with GA will lose two lines of vision on an eye chart within two years.
“Many of my patients don’t realize that the clock is ticking,” Dr. Kitchens says. “They think they have time, but GA is definitely not a wait-and-see situation.”
This is why it’s important to diagnose the disease early.
GA can lead to significant vision loss — and over time, patients may experience disruptions in their ability to engage in everyday activities and social interactions. Because of this, patients with vision loss are at higher risk of developing clinical depression, fear, anxiety, and social isolation.
Who is most likely to develop GA?
While age is the greatest risk factor, certain groups may be more vulnerable to the condition than others. Family history plays a significant role, so if your parent or sibling has age-related macular degeneration, you’re more likely to develop GA. Smoking also increases the likelihood, as it damages the retina and reduces oxygen supply to retinal cells, so both current and former smokers are at much higher GA risk. Finally, certain health conditions like high blood pressure and coronary artery disease are also known contributors to the development of GA.
How is GA diagnosed?
Doctors use a number of imaging techniques to diagnose and monitor the progression of GA, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence, and color fundus photography.
- OCT is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses light waves to capture cross-sectional pictures of the retina, allowing doctors to see its layers and detect subtle changes.
- Fundus autofluorescence is a method that helps clinicians observe the buildup of certain substances in the retina, which can be a sign of damage or disease.
- Color fundus photography is used to take full-color images of the back of the eye. These photographs help doctors assess the overall health of the retina and identify any abnormalities.
“All of these tests help us visualize the layers of the retina and the layers under the retina, as well as identify any relevant changes before GA significantly impacts vision,” says Dr. Kitchens.
Are there treatments for GA?
Until 2023, there were no FDA-approved treatments for patients with GA, and the standard approach was limited to dietary changes and vitamin supplements. That changed with the introduction and approval of treatments like IZERVAY™ (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution).
IZERVAY is a prescription eye injection, used to treat geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In 2 clinical trials of 624 people, IZERVAY was proven to slow GA progression by 18%–35% in one year compared to those who were not treated.
Don’t take IZERVAY if you have an infection or active swelling in or around your eye. IZERVAY can cause eye infection, retinal detachment, or increased risk of wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD). IZERVAY may temporarily increase eye pressure. Do not drive or use machinery until vision has recovered after an eye injection or exam. Please see the additional Important Safety Information below.
What advice do you give patients and their families after a GA diagnosis?
Dr. Kitchens understands how overwhelming and frightening a GA diagnosis can be for patients, so he emphasizes the importance of feeling more in control by proactively managing the condition. “The earlier you act to receive a treatment, like IZERVAY, the longer we may be able to preserve your vision,” he advises. “I think IZERVAY really helps to give patients some degree of hope that they may have more time with their vision.”
For loved ones and caregivers, who often play a crucial role in helping patients navigate life with GA, education is very important. Learning about the condition can foster empathy and better communication. Offering help with daily tasks, attending medical appointments, and encouraging treatment adherence can make a big difference.
INDICATION AND IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Do NOT receive IZERVAY if you:
- Have an infection in or around your eye
- Have active swelling in or around your eye that may include pain and redness
IZERVAY can cause serious side effects:
- Eye injections like the one for IZERVAY can cause an eye infection (endophthalmitis) or separation of layers of the retina (retinal detachment).
- Call your healthcare provider right away if you have redness of the eye, eye pain, increased discomfort, worsening eye redness, blurred or decreased vision, an increased number of small specks floating in your vision, flashes of light, or increased sensitivity to light.
- There is a risk of developing wet AMD with IZERVAY. You should report any symptoms (visual distortions such as straight lines seeming bent, deterioration in vision, dark spots, loss of central vision) to your healthcare provider to monitor.
- IZERVAY may cause a temporary increase in eye pressure after the injection. Your healthcare provider will monitor this after each injection.
Before receiving IZERVAY tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions including if you:
- Have a history of seeing flashes of light or small specks floating in your vision and if you have a sudden increase of size and number of these specks.
- Have high pressure in the eye or if you have glaucoma.
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.
- Are taking any medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Tell your healthcare provider about any medicine you take.
What should I avoid while receiving IZERVAY?
- Your vision may be impaired after receiving an eye injection or after an eye exam. Do not drive or use machinery until your vision has recovered sufficiently.
What are the most common side effects of IZERVAY?
- Blood in the white of the eye
- Increase in eye pressure
- Blurred vision
- Wet age-related macular degeneration
These are not all the possible side effects of IZERVAY. Tell your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please see full Prescribing Information for more information.
What is IZERVAY?
IZERVAY (avacincaptad pegol intravitreal solution) is a prescription eye injection, used to treat geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
For more information on IZERVAY consult your eye care professional or visit IZERVAY.com.
