Geographic Atrophy: a leading cause of blindness that you need to know about

Geographic Atrophy (GA) is a disease that strikes quietly, but its effects are profoundly life-altering. GA, the advanced, dry form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is now recognized as one of the leading causes of blindness in Canada and worldwide.

With an estimated 140,000 cases in Canada alone, GA affects millions across the globe, yet it remains largely unknown to many.  Currently, no approved treatment exists in Canada, nevertheless there is a critical need for awareness and understanding of the disease’s impact on people’s lives.

Living with GA can mean adjusting to a world that gradually becomes harder to navigate, underscoring the need for innovative treatments and resources to support Canadians affected by the disease.

Ottawa Life spoke with Audrey and John, two Canadians who have seen their lives altered by GA. Their stories shed light on how GA can disrupt daily activities, dreams, and aspirations.

GA has dealt John, a 64-year-old antique restorer from Victoria, B.C., a devastating blow to his career. John has spent years refining his craft, carefully restoring intricate details on valuable antiques. But his vision has deteriorated to the point where he struggles to continue working, describing the experience as “having a foggy lens over my eye,” a haze that distorts the fine details he once relied on.

Despite his dedication, GA’s progression has made it impossible for him to pursue the work he loves. His story emphasizes the critical need for effective treatment options for those living with GA.

Through his experience, John also speaks to the challenges many individuals with GA face. Simple tasks require significant adaptation, and many like John feel hopeless about their path forward.

His story exemplifies the broader struggle of maintaining independence, identity and purpose amid the constraints of progressive disease.

At 86, Audrey has a different yet equally impactful story. A lively and energetic woman, she is a beloved great-grandmother who remains active in her community and church, crediting her social life and regular activity as keys to her longevity.

For Audrey, GA has been a relentless progression that she describes as “books falling off a shelf until the shelf is empty,” referring to how the disease gradually affects patches on her vision until total or near-total loss is inevitable. This slow decline has transformed simple joys, like reading to her granddaughter or locating items at the supermarket, from easy routines to frustrating challenges.

Audrey’s journey speaks to the resilience of many living with GA as she manages her life around the condition while remaining engaged in her community. Yet her experiences underscore the toll that GA takes on daily life, making fundamental activities more difficult and leading to a gradual isolation that no amount of energy or willpower can fully counter.

GA is relentless in its progression, and early detection remains crucial. However, the symptoms can often go unnoticed in the early stages of dry AMD, so regular eye check-ups are essential for early intervention. Over time, GA can present as difficulty seeing in dim light, blurred central vision, or even colours appearing duller, symptoms that eventually lead to significant vision loss.

Those over 60, particularly those with a family history of AMD, face a higher risk of developing GA. Other risk factors include smoking, poor diet, and prolonged UV light exposure, although preventive measures, like lifestyle modifications and UV protection, can play a role in slowing its progression. If you have any questions about the signs and symptoms of GA, please speak with your doctor.

The stories of Audrey and John speak to the real and immediate need for a better understanding of GA and the resources available to help manage it. In the absence of approved treatments in Canada, patients’ options are to adopt lifestyle modifications, seek vision rehabilitation and obtain support from eye care professionals to help manage the challenges of the disease.

Innovative treatments are critical to improving the lives of Canadians impacted by GA. Until then, raising awareness is a crucial step towards building a future where individuals with GA can find hope.

Make an appointment with your doctor to get your eyes checked regularly and visit LivingwithGA.ca for more information on GA.

This article includes representative experiences of two patients with GA. Individual experiences will vary. Please talk to your doctor about any questions you have regarding the signs and symptoms of GA.

HEADER IMAGE: Representative experience of vision change with GA. Individual experiences will vary. (Photo: iStock)

This content was sponsored by Apellis Canada Inc.