When age-related macular degeneration becomes geographic atrophy

I learn so much from commercials. The other day I watched Henry Winkler talk about GA. He said, “GA is irreversible, it’s important to catch it early.” I wasted no time Googling “GA” to find out what it is. Geographic atrophy, I found out, isn’t when my brain can’t find Bolivia on a map.

Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). PreventBlindness.org explains that “AMD is a disease that affects part of the back of the eye called the macula. The macula is the central part of the retina, which is the ‘film’ lining the inside of the eye.”

There are two types of AMD, wet and dry. Dry is the more common. “This is caused by small yellow deposits called drusen, which form under the retina. They can grow in size and stop the flow of nutrients to the retina. This will cause the retinal cells in the macula to die, causing vision to become blurred,” PreventBlindness says.

“Wet AMD generally causes more rapid and, in some cases, more serious vision loss. The vision loss is linked to bleeding, hence the term ‘wet.’”

WebMD says that although GA is typically a severe form of dry AMD, it can also develop in those with wet AMD. “It starts with dim or blind spots in your central field of vision. You may lose more of your vision over time, and you may have permanent vision loss. It may happen in only one eye, but it’s common to have it in both eyes.”

    Kathy Hubbard

They explain, “When you develop GA, cells and blood vessels in your retina waste away and die. The retina layers in this area get thin. This is called atrophy. The areas or patches of dead and dying cells look like a map, which is why it’s called geographic atrophy.”

You may have a higher risk of GA if you have low levels of physical activity; have a family history of macular degeneration; smoke or used to smoke; are Caucasian; spend a lot of time in the sun; are obese; are over 60 years old; have a diet high in fat or low in nutrients and antioxidants; have eyes that are light-colored, or have high blood pressure.

PreventBlindness says that in the early stages before it affects both eyes there may not be any symptoms. If you have “difficulty seeing in the center of your vision, which is needed for reading, crafts, cooking, recognizing faces and driving, you may have GA.”

Other symptoms include numbers of letters disappearing or missing when reading; a dim or dark spot in your central or near central (side) vision; trouble seeing in dim light; needing extra light to read; colors looking dull or washed out, and generally not seeing clearly.

“If you notice any changes such as having trouble reading, or seeing straight lines that appear wavy or broken, tell your eye doctor right away,” PreventBlindness says.

I assume you remember that if you’re 50 years or older you should be getting an eye exam every one to two years. And, in case you’ve lost it, Bonner General Ophthalmology’s phone number is 208-265-1011.

If you have, or are at risk, you should test with an Amsler grid every day. It’s simple. You can download the grid from PreventBlindness.org or email me and I’ll send you a pdf file. This grid is made up of straight horizontal and vertical lines and if the lines appear wavy or broken, you need to see the medico.

Healthy habits can lead to healthy eyes. WebMD says to stop smoking; eat a nutritious, antioxidant-rich diet with fruits and vegetables, including dark leafy greens; wear sunglasses, and exercise regularly. You should also talk to your eye doctor about taking vitamin supplements.

“GA can cause loss of vision. For some, loss of vision can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and loss of independence. Some individuals may notice a change in their desire to socialize with others, or increased frustration with the additional time it may take to accomplish tasks of daily living. If you experience any of these symptoms, know there is help available,” Prevent Blindness says. Bonner General Behavioral Health Clinic can be reached at 208-265-1090.

Kathy Hubbard is a member of Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.