Geographic Atrophy Patient Management

Best practices for patient identification, education, and support, as well as treatment decisions and resource management.

By: Carlos Medina, MD

Retinal Physician January 29, 2025

5 Key Takeaways

1

Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration requiring unique patient management strategies.
2

The FDA approved pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol in 2023, introducing new considerations for GA treatment protocols.
3

Accurate identification of GA patients is essential, utilizing optical coherence tomography and fundus autofluorescence for monitoring.
4

Effective management includes patient education, addressing treatment burdens, and considering overall health and comorbidities.
5

Integrating low vision services and emotional support is crucial for enhancing the quality of life for GA patients.

Carlos Medina, MD

Specialties: Ophthalmology

Bio: Carlos Medina, MD, is a retina specialist and medical author whose work in Retinal Physician focuses on the management of geographic atrophy, an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration. His writing addresses practical retina-care considerations including patient identification, imaging with OCT and fundus autofluorescence, patient education, treatment decision-making, and practice workflows related to complement inhibitor therapy for geographic atrophy.

PentaVision

Retinal Physician

Geographic Atrophy Patient Management

5 Key Takeaways

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