There are now two approved treatments available in Australia for foveal-sparing geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD), evidenced by progression.
After not having any treatments for GA secondary to AMD beyond recommending vitamins and supplements or referrals for low vision services, the approval of both pegcetacoplan and avacincaptad pegol in Australia is a milestone for clinicians and offers hope for patients affected by GA.
The challenge now lies in identifying eligible patients that will derive maximal benefit from these therapies to maintain their visual function and quality of life.
In this video, Dr Cheryl Au – a comprehensive ophthalmologist and cataract surgeon, who subspecialises in medical retina – discusses what this means for optometrists at the forefront of ophthalmic care.
This subject is explored further in mivision’s CPD article: ‘New Approved Treatments for Geographic Atrophy: Insights’.
