How may visual acuity (VA) in patients with Geographic Atrophy appear during early stages?

In the early stages of Geographic Atrophy, visual acuity often remains relatively good until the later stages of the disease. Geographic Atrophy is a form of late-stage Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) characterized by the progressive loss of retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors. Initially, patients may experience few noticeable symptoms, and their VA can still be quite acceptable since the central vision is typically maintained in the early phases.

As the atrophy progresses and expands, central vision becomes increasingly compromised, leading to a decline in VA. Therefore, recognizing that visual acuity may be preserved until the later stages of this condition helps in understanding the disease's progression and timing of intervention. This information is critical for monitoring patients and managing their expectations regarding visual changes as they navigate through the disease.