Survey highlights the burden of living with geographic atrophy

Geographic atrophy (GA) significantly impacts individuals’ quality of life, independence, and mental health, with similar burdens reported whether one or both eyes are affected, according to a recent survey.

The Geographic Atrophy Insights Survey (GAINS) included responses from 203 adults aged 60 and older with self-reported GA diagnoses across the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe.

The survey explored 6 themes: disease progression, independence, quality of life, emotional toll, misconceptions, and interactions with clinicians. Overall, 77% of respondents felt GA progressed faster than expected, and 68% agreed it hindered their ability to fully enjoy life.

Comparisons between participants with unilateral and bilateral GA showed similarly significant impacts on activities like driving (73% vs 75%), reading (66% vs 71%), and traveling (62% for both). Self-confidence and mental health were also major concerns, with nearly half of respondents reporting negative effects regardless of the disease affecting one or both eyes.

Reference
Bakri SJ, Brinkmann CK, Mulvey A, et al. Characterizing Patient Perceptions of Living with Geographic Atrophy: The Global Geographic Atrophy Insights Survey. Clin Ophthalmol. 2024;18:3725-3737. doi: 10.2147/OPTH.S488559. PMID: 39691308; PMCID: PMC11651066.

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