What is geographic atrophy?

Geographic atrophy (GA), is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), affecting the retina, a part of the eye that sends information to the brain to enable sight.

What does fundus autofluorescence show?

Fundus autofluorescence (FAF), a relatively new imaging modality, focuses on the fluorescent properties of pigments in the retina to generate images that help us view various disease processes from a different perspective. It aids us in the understanding of the pathophysiology of different retinal disorders.

Is geographic atrophy a rare disease?

More than 5 million people worldwide have geographic atrophy, 2 including nearly 1 million people in the U.S. 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.

What does a person with geographic atrophy see?

The diagnosis of geographic atrophy is clinical, and is made on ophthalmoscopy or on fundus photo. The ophthalmologist will see a macula decorated with drusen and a sharply demarcated area in the macular region with atrophic retina, lacking pigmentation and visible underlying choroidal vessels.

What is autofluorescence Ophthalmology?

Autofluorescence Imaging(FAF) is the concept of using naturally occurring fluorescence from the retina to provide an indicator of RPE (layer of the retina) health. Illuminating the retina with blue light causes certain cellular components to “glow” without injecting any dye.

Is retinitis pigmentosa treatable?

There’s no cure for retinitis pigmentosa, but doctors are working hard to find new treatments. A few options can slow your vision loss and may even restore some sight: Acetazolamide: In the later stages, the tiny area at the center of your retina can swell.

Are you born with retinitis pigmentosa?

Retinitis pigmentosa is an inherited disorder, and therefore not caused by injury, infection or any other external or environmental factors. People suffering from RP are born with the disorder already programmed into their cells.

Can bulls eye maculopathy be treated?

Is there any treatment for Bull’s Eye Maculopathy? There is no good way to treat inherited genetic eye conditions that cause Bull’s Eye Maculopathy. Usually there is also no good way to stop the sight loss that often occurs along with Bull’s Eye Maculopathy.

Can maculopathy be cured?

There are no cures for maculopathy, but treatment may slow progression for some types of disease.