* Geographic atrophy requires equally strong clinical and emotional support, and early conversations rooted in empathy can reduce patient fear and uncertainty.
* Advanced imaging and clear education about progression help optometrists detect GA early and guide patients through tough decisions about treatment, including candid discussions of complement inhibition options like Izervay.
* Caregiver involvement is essential, as most GA patients rely on family for transportation, follow-up, and long-term management.
Vision loss is never a purely clinical journey. As Dr. Jennifer Lyerly shares at the start of this Defocus Media episode, geographic atrophy affects patients emotionally, socially, and psychologically. Optometrists, therefore, play a central role in offering meaningful support throughout the entire geographic atrophy experience—especially as new treatment options, including Izervay, enter the landscape.
Table of Contents
Understanding Geographic Atrophy Beyond the “Good vs. Bad” MythEmotional Toll: Fear, Anxiety, and the Psychological Burden of GAEarly Diagnosis Requires Careful Imaging and Attentive ListeningGuiding Patient Conversations With Honesty and HopeAddressing Safety Concerns With TransparencyThe Essential Role of CaregiversHow Optometrists Can Improve GA Care TodayA Moment of Gratitude for Izervay
In this episode, Dr. Lyerly is joined by retina-focused optometrist Dr. Sarah LeMay, her classmate and colleague, to discuss how to guide patients with geographic atrophy, how to communicate about disease progression, and how to bring empathy and clarity into every visit.
Understanding Geographic Atrophy Beyond the “Good vs. Bad” Myth
Many patients arrive believing there is a “good” type of macular degeneration and a “bad” type. Dr. LeMay explains that the terms “dry” and “wet” often lead to confusion, especially because geographic atrophy is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), even though it falls under the “dry” category.
Patients often panic when they hear “macular degeneration.” They often recall loved ones who lost significant vision and assume their outcome will be the same. Dr. LeMay stresses that one of her most important responsibilities is helping patients unlearn these misconceptions and understand where their disease truly falls on the spectrum.
Emotional Toll: Fear, Anxiety, and the Psychological Burden of GA
Fear is the defining emotion Dr. LeMay sees when diagnosing or monitoring patients with AMD and GA. She referenced data from a large international geographic atrophy insights study:
* 70% of GA patients rely on a caregiver
* 46% experience anxiety
* 39% report feeling powerless
Dr. LeMay uses this information to validate patients’ feelings and remind optometrists of a critical truth: GA patients need emotional support as much as clinical expertise.
Dr. Lyerly notes that doctors must be ready to have these heavy conversations, because GA discussions can escalate from mild concern to...
