If the fellow eye has geographic atrophy (GA), how does GA progress?

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a form of advanced age-related macular degeneration (AMD) characterized by the progressive degeneration of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors in the macula. When GA is present in one eye, it typically influences the progression of the condition in the fellow eye. Research indicates that if one eye has GA, the other eye is at a higher risk of GA development and often experiences progression at a faster rate compared to cases where no such association exists.

This faster progression can be attributed to shared genetic and environmental risk factors that influence the pathology of the disease in both eyes. Thus, the presence of GA in one eye not only indicates existing retinal damage but also sets up a biological environment that favors more rapid degeneration in the fellow eye. This knowledge can significantly impact the monitoring and management of patients with GA, ensuring timely intervention and treatment strategies are employed to preserve vision as much as possible.