Geographic atrophy significantly impacts quality of life for patients and caregivers, study finds

Geographic atrophy (GA) significantly impacts both patients and their caregivers, affecting their quality of life and daily functioning, according to a study that highlights the interconnected burdens experienced by both groups.

The research involved qualitative interviews with 28 patients and 17 caregivers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, followed by a quantitative survey of 102 patient-caregiver pairs in the US.

Key findings indicate that GA severely affects patients’ vision-related quality of life and their ability to perform daily activities. Caregivers face significant challenges as well; 83% reported needing to transport patients to medical appointments due to their limited mobility. In addition, 41% of caregivers experienced changes in their employment status, with half unable to work because of caregiving responsibilities.

The study found a notable correlation between the burdens experienced by patients and caregivers, with correlation coefficients ranging from -0.63 to -0.21 between visual function scores and caregiver burden scores. These results indicate that as patients’ conditions worsen, caregivers also report increased strain.

Reference
Bakri SJ, Amoaku WMK, Altman D, et al. The MOSAIC Study: A Mixed-Methods Study of the Clinical, Emotional, and Financial Burden of Geographic Atrophy Among Patients and Caregivers in the US. Clin Ophthalmol. 2024;18:2357-2368. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S455984. PMID: 39193319; PMCID: PMC11348935.

This content is independent editorial sponsored by Astellas. Astellas had no input in the development of this content.