Inside Out - Geographic Atrophy
What is Geographic Atrophy?
The name “geographic atrophy” doesn’t sound like it would have anything to do with the eyes. But in fact, it is an advanced form of an eye disease known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Up to 20-percent of people with AMD go on to develop geographic atrophy. In the United States alone, close to 1 million people have geographic atrophy in at least one eye, and many will develop the disease in both.
Anatomy & Physiology of a Healthy Eye
Eyes work like a camera. Light enters through a lens and is focused onto the back lining of the eye, called the retina. Here, light is converted into signals that the brain processes into images that we can understand. All happening in just a fraction of second. In the center of that retina is the macula, a small spot, responsible for sharp and clear central vision.
Eye Impacted by Geographic Atrophy
There are two types of AMD; dry and wet. AMD usually starts as the dry form of the disease, causing small, yellow waste deposits, called drusen, to accumulate beneath the retina. Over time, dry AMD can progress to geographic atrophy, where lesions thin and wear down the macula, starving it of nutrients and oxygen.

For some, dry AMD will eventually develop into the wet form of the disease, where new and abnormal blood vessels sprout under the retina and leak blood into the macula.
 
Dive Deeper
 
Both forms of AMD can wreak havoc on the eyes. Explore how the disease affects the macula and may put people at risk of irreversible loss of vision.
Eye Affected by Geographic Atrophy
Eye Affected by Geographic Atrophy
Understanding Disease Management and Treatment
AMD worsens over time. Without proper treatment and lifestyle changes, it can put people at risk of irreversible loss of central vision.
Quit smoking
Importance of a balanced diet
Caring for your eyes
Getting eye checkups
Finding the right treatment
Patient Community Encouragement
Hannah
Thomas
When first diagnosed with AMD, my doctor told me I was at risk of geographic atrophy. I made changes to my diet, stopped smoking, and am excitedly waiting to try new treatment.
Maya
Jennifer
We’re always thinking about getting heart and cholesterol checkups, but rarely about the importance of annual eye exams. Preserving vision is essential.
Anthony
Beth
I see my doctor often and try to stay informed. I want to know about any new treatments as soon as they become available. That day is finally here.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with geographic atrophy, you probably have questions about the disease and how it can affect your life. Here are a few frequently asked questions.
What is geographic atrophy?
Geographic atrophy is an advanced stage of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It can result in gradual loss of central vision due to buildup of waste deposits, or drusen, underneath the retina and growing patches of lesions that may starve the macula of nutrients and oxygen, causing it to waste away and die.
What are symptoms of geographic atrophy?
Symptoms of AMD may not be noticeable until later stages of the disease.
Symptoms can include:
  • Blurriness or fuzzy vision
  • Distorted vision
  • Straight lines appearing wavy or bent
  • Colors looking faded
  • Trouble seeing in low light
  • Dark, empty area (blind spot) in center of vision
  • Difficulty recognizing faces
  • Loss of central vision
How is geographic atrophy treated?
While early stages of dry AMD may not require immediate treatment, close monitoring and doctor visits are a must. Research for treating geographic atrophy is ongoing. New medications that target potential causes of geographic atrophy may be able to slow progression of related vision loss.
What are complications of geographic atrophy?
Geographic atrophy can put people at a greater risk of developing the wet form of AMD, which may lead to bulging, swelling, detachment, and scarring of the macula; all of which increase the risk of central vision loss. Routine eye exams can help you and your doctor catch these before they start affecting your eyesight.