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Optometric Management

Article

Importance of Early Identification of Geographic Atrophy and Treatment Recommendations

Clinicians can now identify GA and its precursors earlier than ever before, which improves proactive patient education, monitoring, and treatment considerations.

By: AMANDA S. LEGGE, OD
Optometric Management February 20, 2025
5 Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Early identification of geographic atrophy (GA) is crucial for preserving vision and optimizing patient outcomes.

  • 2

    Advancements in optical coherence tomography (OCT) allow for earlier detection of GA and its precursors, enhancing patient education and monitoring.

  • 3

    Choroidal hypertransmission defects are the earliest OCT biomarkers for GA, indicating compromised retinal pigment epithelium.

  • 4

    The Classification of Atrophy Meetings group identifies incomplete RPE and outer retina atrophy as a precursor to GA, termed nascent GA.

  • 5

    Collaboration between optometrists and retina specialists is essential for effective long-term management and treatment of GA.