Which type of Geographic Atrophy lesions has a higher rate of progression?

Multifocal lesions of Geographic Atrophy are associated with a higher rate of progression compared to unifocal lesions. This characteristic relates to the nature of multifocal lesions, which are defined by the presence of multiple small areas of atrophy spread throughout the retina. The multiple sites of atrophy can lead to an increased risk of adjacent areas developing degeneration as the disease advances.

In contrast, unifocal lesions are localized and may not exert the same degree of pathological influence on surrounding retinal tissue as multifocal lesions do. This localized nature often results in a slower rate of overall progression since there is less widespread implication for the surrounding retinal structures.

Foveal lesions, while critical due to their location at the center of vision, may not inherently develop at an accelerated rate compared to the multifocal variety. The progression dynamics of Geographic Atrophy can differ based on the lesion's characteristics, and multifocal lesions generally indicate a more aggressive disease course. Therefore, recognizing the distinction between multifocal and unifocal lesions can be crucial for patient prognosis and management in age-related macular degeneration and similar conditions.