For U.S. Audiences Only
Reframing the Impact of Geographic Atrophy (GA): Beyond the Retina, Toward the Whole Patient
For the millions of individuals affected by GA, vision loss is not only a clinical journey, but also a lived experience that can reshape a patient’s emotional, social, and functional world. While the pathophysiology and inevitability of GA progression has been extensively studied, a new survey is diving deeper into what many patients are thinking about managing the disease in broader, more holistic terms.
To better understand how GA shapes patients’ daily lives—and how they think about the role of treatment—Astellas commissioned The Harris Poll to conduct the GA Treatment Perspectives Survey. The findings reveal a critical insight: patients want to preserve their vision for as long as possible, and they are willing to take meaningful action early, even when the future is uncertain.
The Psychological Burden of GA: Constant Uncertainty
The new survey results go beyond the physical impacts of GA to underscore the profound psychological and emotional toll of a GA diagnosis, with nearly all surveyed GA patients (98%) saying the disease impacts their mental health—emotionally, psychologically, and socially. The vast majority, 92%, report that knowing they will eventually lose more of their vision—without knowing when—causes stress or anxiety. In fact, 85% of those surveyed say fear and uncertainty of future vision loss shape their daily decisions.
These findings reinforce that GA management is not solely about preserving photoreceptors or maintaining visual function, it is also about addressing the psychological distress that accompanies progressive, irreversible vision loss.
For physicians, this may mean that clinical discussions around GA should also account for the emotional adjustment patients face. Empathy, anticipatory guidance, and clear education about the nature of the disease and available treatment options may help relieve some of the burden.
Patients See Value in Treatment: Even When the Gains may be Incremental
Despite the uncertainty many patients feel regarding a GA diagnosis, one of the most compelling insights from the survey is the motivation patients feel for taking action to preserve their vision for longer.
While treatment for GA includes frequent office visits for injections, survey results say 95% of patients currently receiving treatment say they are willing to adhere to ongoing appointments if it means they may preserve vision for longer. Additionally, 91% agree the impacts of treatment—including frequency and mode of administration—are worth the potential opportunity to preserve their vision for as long as possible.
This may seem counter to common assumptions that patients are reluctant to begin a treatment regimen with frequent injections or uncertain immediate benefits. Instead, patients surveyed expressed a clear willingness to act, especially when physicians engage in early, evidence-based discussions about the value that slowing disease progression may have on long-term vision.
Khurram Chaudhary MD, of Stony Brook University Hospital in East Setauket, NY, notes “These survey results reflect what I see in my own office—patients are searching for anything they can do to slow the progression of GA in the hopes of preserving their vision for longer.”
Early Intervention: Clinical Rationale Meets Patient Motivation
Early intervention may do more than just slow anatomical decline—it appears to support patient well-being. Ninety percent of GA patients currently receiving treatment report a more positive outlook on life since starting treatment, with 89% reporting it helps ease their worries about the future.
Even more, almost all GA patients currently receiving treatment (96%) say they would encourage others to begin treatment as early as possible, and nearly 7 out of 10 who have seen a retina specialist wish they had recommended starting treatment earlier.
These findings affirm that early dialogue can help patients shift from a reactive stance, to an empowered approach grounded in partnership and proactive care.
Dr. Chaudhary is also a strong advocate for early intervention, “It is clinically relevant for our patients with GA to start treatment early to protect the retinal cells for as long as possible. But I also find it personally fulfilling to know I can play a role in helping them to possibly continue doing and seeing the things they love for longer.”
A Call to Action: Partnership and Urgency May Drive Better Outcomes
The survey indicates patients are increasingly informed, engaged, and eager to take steps that slow GA and may help preserve their vision for longer. They understand the nature of their disease—and they want clinicians who will partner with them to confront GA.
The patients surveyed were clear—they value early treatment, they see slowing GA progression as meaningful, and they recognize the importance of emotional support combined with evidence-based guidance from eye care professionals when making treatment decisions.
By discussing treatment options at diagnosis and reframing care around a patient’s holistic needs—emotional, functional, and clinical outcomes—retina specialists remain the valued guardian their patients seek.
About The GA Treatment Perspectives Survey
The GA Treatment Perspectives Survey was conducted online and by phone in the United States of America by The Harris Poll on behalf of Astellas among 214 patients aged 65 and older who have self-reported as having geographic atrophy (GA), including 101 currently receiving treatment, 100 who have never received treatment and 13 who have received treatment but not currently. The survey was conducted from August to September 2025. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in Harris' surveys and were compensated. Data for this survey were not weighted and are therefore only representative of the individuals who completed the study. These findings may not be representative of all GA patients. For complete survey methodology, including subgroup sample sizes, please contact corporate.communications@astellas.com.
MAT-US-NON-2025-00883 12/25
