Geographic Atrophy: What the Newest Dry AMD Treatments Can & Can’t Do

For years, people with geographic atrophy had very few treatment options beyond monitoring their condition. That changed with the development of medications designed to slow the progression of this advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration. But “slowing” is the key word. These treatments can reduce the rate of progression, but they cannot restore retinal tissue that has already been lost.

Geographic atrophy (GA) occurs when areas of the retina gradually become damaged and atrophy. When the macula is affected, central vision can become impaired, making activities such as reading, recognizing faces or seeing fine details more difficult. Early changes may not always be obvious, which makes regular retinal monitoring especially important.

Two medications are currently FDA-approved in the United States to slow the progression of geographic atrophy associated with dry AMD: pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol. Both are administered as eye injections and target the complement system, part of the immune system believed to play a role in the progression of retinal damage.

These treatments cannot reverse existing retinal damage or guarantee that vision will remain unchanged. Geographic atrophy involves the loss of retinal cells, so treatment focuses on slowing additional damage rather than rebuilding tissue that is already gone. Understanding that distinction can help set realistic expectations about what treatment can accomplish.

Treatment also involves more than receiving an injection. Your retina specialist will consider the location and extent of the atrophy, how quickly it has progressed, your overall eye health and other factors when discussing whether treatment is appropriate. Regular follow-up remains important because geographic atrophy can continue to change over time and other forms of AMD may also develop.

For someone living with geographic atrophy, these newer therapies represent an important change in retinal care. They are not a cure, but slowing GA progression may help preserve useful vision for longer. Ongoing monitoring allows your retina specialist to track changes and decide whether treatment is appropriate.

If you have been diagnosed with geographic atrophy or noticed changes in your central vision, Associated Retina Consultants can evaluate your retina and discuss treatment options for your individual needs. Call 602-242-4928 to schedule an appointment or visit WEBSITE to learn more.