What remains the hallmark of advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Geographic atrophy is considered the hallmark of advanced dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). In the context of AMD, geographic atrophy refers to the progressive loss of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and photoreceptors in a well-defined area, ultimately leading to significant vision loss. This condition is particularly associated with the dry form of AMD, as opposed to exudative AMD, which is characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and is classified as a wet form of the disease.

As advanced dry AMD progresses, the presence of geographic atrophy indicates the severity of the disease and is a key feature that differentiates it from early stages or other retinal conditions. Understanding geographic atrophy is crucial for managing AMD, particularly in predicting the visual prognosis and potential treatment strategies.