Because GA can cause permanent vision loss, it’s worth learning as much as you can about the condition. “This is an irreversible, progressive, and potentially disabling disease,” says Nora Lad, MD, PhD, an ophthalmologist and retinal specialist with Duke Health in Morrisville, North Carolina.
As it slowly — and often quietly — steals your sight, you lose your visual acuity and may start to see blank or blurry spots. Eventually, this vision loss can interfere with your ability to do everyday tasks and participate in social activities. Here are some ways geographic atrophy can affect your life.
1. It Limits Your Ability to Be Independent
If you are still driving, you may find it more comfortable to drive during the day, in familiar areas, says Dr. Lad. While that means you can still drive, it does limit going to new places or heading out in the late afternoon or at night. The NHTSA recommends asking family members and friends for rides, finding public transportation options, or taking safe walking routes. Rideshares may also be an option in your area. For more information on transportation services, go to www.eldercare.acl.gov.
2. It Increases the Risk of Mental Health Problems
One reason for the poor mental health scores, according to the study authors? At the time the research was published, there was no available treatment for geographic atrophy, which left the study participants feeling frustrated and stuck.
If you have GA, you can also follow certain lifestyle habits — such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and taking certain supplements — to reduce the risk of further eye damage.
3. It Can Cause a Social Faux Pas
In addition, people with geographic atrophy may experience other socially embarrassing moments. In one example Lad gives, the person accidentally put their hand into a bowl of dip, thinking they were going for the potato chips. These moments can be tough to laugh off, especially when you know there’s an underlying problem that caused the flub. Eventually, some people choose to withdraw from social situations altogether.
4. It Makes Falling More Likely
5. It Makes Daily Tasks Tough
- Cooking
- Doing household chores
- Paying bills
- Reading
- Recognizing faces
- Watching TV or movies
Not everyone has a support system, but seeing an occupational therapist who is skilled in treating people with low vision can help you implement strategies to cope with vision changes. This can include identifying people based on voice and using voice function technology to read text aloud.
The Takeaway
- Geographic atrophy is a type of late-stage AMD that can stealthily steal your eyesight.
- Eventually, vision loss can affect your ability to engage in routine tasks and interfere with your social activities.
- With the right treatment and changes in lifestyle habits, you can preserve your vision as much as possible and maintain your quality of life.
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