Genentech: Understanding Geographic Atrophy

Understanding Geographic Atrophy

Nov 13, 2015

More than 5 million people worldwide have geographic atrophy,²

including nearly 1 million people in the U.S.⁷

In developed nations, approximately 1 in 29 people over age 75 have geographic atrophy, ^3,4,5

which increases to nearly 1 in 4 people over age 90.⁶

42% of patients’ eyes with geographic atrophy are legally blind (20/200 or worse with best correction).^8,9
Healthy vision is 20/20

29% of patients’ eyes with geographic atrophy had ≥6 lines of vision loss on an eye chart by 4 years¹⁰

Affects ability to perform tasks of daily living including:¹

SEEING FACES

DRIVING

READING AND WRITING

COOKING

AMD causes damage to the macula – the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision¹

In geographic atrophy:¹¹

A dark spot appears in central or peripheral vision
Colors seem dull or washed out
Vision becomes less sharp or detailed
Seeing in the dark becomes difficult

NORMAL VISION

VISION WITH GEOGRAPHIC ATROPHY

If you notice any of the symptoms of geographic atrophy, you should speak to your physician. A comprehensive eye exam can be used to diagnose and monitor AMD and geographic atrophy¹

Genetics – a family history increases the risk of AMD

With family history: 50% risk
No family history: 12% risk¹²

A recent study identified 19 genetic markers associated with AMD risk¹³

Other AMD risk factors:

AGE

SMOKING NEARLY DOUBLES THE RISK

OBESITY INCREASES THE RISK FOR ADVANCED AMD¹⁴

CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE¹⁵

RACE – MORE COMMON AMONG CAUCASIANS

There are currently no treatments available to slow the progression of geographic atrophy

Clinical trials are underway for potential geographic atrophy treatments

Low vision aids like magnifiers or special eyeglasses may also be prescribed

Tags:

Ophthalmology