Do extrafoveal Geographic Atrophy lesions progress faster or slower than foveal lesions?

Extrafoveal Geographic Atrophy (GA) lesions progress slower than foveal lesions. When considering the distinct characteristics of GA lesions, it has been observed that foveal lesions tend to lead to more rapid visual function decline due to their direct impact on the central vision. Foveal atrophy affects the macular region, which is crucial for visual acuity and fine detail perception, and because of this pivotal role, lesions in the fovea can rapidly result in significant visual loss.

On the other hand, extrafoveal lesions, located outside the central macula, often allow for relatively preserved central vision for a longer period, which contributes to their slower progression. Thus, while both types of lesions are serious manifestations of age-related macular degeneration, the foveal lesions demonstrate a more aggressive course in terms of progression and clinical impact on vision.

This understanding is important for monitoring and managing patients with geographic atrophy, as it influences treatment decisions and patient counseling regarding prognosis and the expected impact on visual function.