Clinical Report: Geographic Atrophy Care in 2026
Overview
The presentation at the 2026 AAO meeting highlighted the importance of early detection and management of geographic atrophy (GA) using advanced imaging techniques.
Background
Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to irreversible vision loss. With over 1 million individuals in the U.S. affected, early detection and intervention are crucial for slowing disease progression.
Data Highlights
No numerical data provided in the source material.
Key Findings
- OCT can reveal early warning signs of GA years before significant vision loss occurs.
- High-risk OCT features include hyper-reflective foci, large drusen volume, and outer retinal disruption.
- Current treatments like pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol can slow GA progression but do not restore vision.
- AI has the potential to predict disease progression.
- Emerging therapies in the pipeline include gene therapy and mitochondrial stabilization.
Clinical Implications
Optometrists play a critical role in monitoring patients for early signs of GA and should utilize advanced imaging techniques for timely referrals.
Conclusion
The evolving landscape of GA care emphasizes the need for early detection.
Related Resources & Content
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, Age-Related Macular Degeneration Preferred Practice Pattern, 2024 -- Non-neovascular AMD with Geographic Atrophy
- American Academy of Ophthalmology, New Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration, 2026 -- Promising New Treatments for AMD
- American Society of Retina Specialists, Geographic Atrophy - Dry Forms Including Geographic Atrophy, 2026 -- Patient Resource
- Ophthalmology, Assessment of Ellipsoid Zone Integrity and Other Quantitative OCT Biomarkers, 2026 -- Study on GA Progression
- Pegcetacoplan for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration, 2023 -- OAKS and DERBY Trials
- retinal physician — Geographic Atrophy Patient Management
- optometric management — Geographic Atrophy: Early Detection and Patient Awareness Matters
- retinal physician — Practice Considerations Regarding Treatment of Geographic Atrophy
- optometric management — Co-Management Strategies in GA Care: Recognizing Geographic Atrophy Earlier
- Geographic Atrophy Patient Management
- Geographic Atrophy: Early Detection and Patient Awareness Matters
- Practice Considerations Regarding Treatment of Geographic Atrophy
- Co-Management Strategies in GA Care: Recognizing Geographic Atrophy Earlier
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration Preferred Practice Pattern® - Ophthalmology
- New Treatments for Age-Related Macular Degeneration - American Academy of Ophthalmology
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration—Dry Forms Including Geographic Atrophy - Patients - The American Society of Retina Specialists
- Assessment of Ellipsoid Zone Integrity and Other Quantitative OCT Biomarkers for Intermediate AMD Progression to Atrophy - Ophthalmology
- Detection and Management of Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration Using Noninvasive Retinal Images and Artificial Intelligence: Systematic Review - PMC
- Pegcetacoplan for the treatment of geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration (OAKS and DERBY): two multicentre, randomised, double-masked, sham-controlled, phase 3 trials.
- Efficacy of Continuous Pegcetacoplan Treatment for Subfoveal Geographic Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: 36-Month Results from OAKS, DERBY, and GALE Open-Label Extension - PMC
- Full article: Efficacy of Continuous Pegcetacoplan Treatment for Subfoveal Geographic Atrophy in Age-Related Macular Degeneration: 36-Month Results from OAKS, DERBY, and GALE Open-Label Extension
- Video: Pegcetacoplan Data Show Increasing Benefit Over 5 Years | Retinal Physician
- Retinal Vasculitis After Intravitreal Pegcetacoplan: Report From the ASRS Research and Safety in Therapeutics (ReST) Committee - PMC
- Ocular Adverse Events Associated with Pegcetacoplan and Avacincaptad Pegol for Geographic Atrophy: A Population-Based Pharmacovigilance Study - ScienceDirect
- Avacincaptad Pegol for Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Two-Year Efficacy and Safety Results from the GATHER2 Phase 3 Trial - PubMed
- Complement Inhibition in Geographic Atrophy: Clinical Evidence for Pegcetacoplan and Avacincaptad Pegol - PMC
- Efficacy and safety of avacincaptad pegol in patients with geographic atrophy (GATHER2): 12-month results from a randomised, double-masked, phase 3 trial - PubMed
- Avacincaptad Pegol for Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration - Ophthalmology
- Avacincaptad Pegol Slows Progressive Ellipsoid Zone Degradation and Loss in Eyes with Geographic Atrophy - Ophthalmology
This content is an AI-generated, fully rewritten summary based on a published scholarly article. It does not reproduce the original text and is not a substitute for the original publication. Readers are encouraged to consult the source for full context, data, and methodology.