New Data Emphasizes Risk Assessment Before Initiating Geographic Atrophy Therapy
Recent findings underscore the importance of carefully evaluating progression risk before initiating therapy for geographic atrophy (GA),a leading cause of vision loss in age-related macular degeneration. Presented at the Association for research in Vision adn Ophthalmology (ARVO) 2024 annual meeting, data suggest that not all patients with GA will benefit equally from available treatments, and identifying those most likely to experience rapid progression is crucial for maximizing therapeutic impact.
GA affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. While previously no treatments existed, recent approvals of complement inhibitors like Avamar and Izervay have offered hope. Though, these therapies are not without cost and potential side effects, making accurate patient selection paramount. experts emphasize that a thorough assessment of individual risk factors – including lesion size, drusen burden, and family history – is essential to determine which patients will derive the greatest benefit from GA therapy and avoid needless treatment in those with slower disease courses. Resources like PubMed, clinical guidelines, and news from the FDA and Healio provide ongoing updates for clinicians navigating this evolving treatment landscape.
