#United States #Chicago #AMD #Geographic Atrophy #Prevent Blindness

Prevent Blindness Declares Fifth Annual Geographic Atrophy Week

Prevent Blindness, the leading advocacy organization for eye health, has officially declared December 1-7, 2025, as the fifth annual Geographic Atrophy (GA) Week. This initiative aims to educate the public and healthcare professionals about GA, an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a condition affecting millions worldwide. The organization emphasizes the importance of awareness and knowledge in combating vision loss related to this condition.

Raising Awareness of Geographic Atrophy

According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 8 million people globally and around 1 million individuals in the United States are affected by GA. This specific form of AMD impacts roughly 20 percent of people diagnosed with the condition. With a significant population at risk, Prevent Blindness is committed to sharing knowledge and resources surrounding GA during this dedicated week.

Through GA Week, Prevent Blindness plans to distribute free educational materials in both English and Spanish. These include fact sheets, social media graphics, a dedicated webpage, and videos from experts and patients. The organization seeks to bridge the knowledge gap for patients and caregivers navigating this complex eye disease.

Symptoms and Importance of Early Detection

The symptoms associated with Geographic Atrophy can substantially impair daily functioning. Individuals may experience:

• - Difficulty seeing in the center of their vision, crucial for tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, and driving.
• - Missing or disappearing letters/numbers while reading.
• - Dark spots in central vision or difficulties seeing in dim light.
• - The necessity of brighter lights for reading and experiencing dull or washed-out colors.

In the early stages, GA might present no notable symptoms. This absence can delay necessary diagnoses and treatments during a crucial period for preserving eyesight. Jeff Todd, President and CEO of Prevent Blindness, emphasizes that “Geographic Atrophy can profoundly affect independence and quality of life for millions.” This statement highlights the organization's mission to prompt individuals to recognize symptoms and seek timely care.

Community Engagement: Knowledge, Hope, and Help Forum

In addition to the observance of GA Week, Prevent Blindness has recently organized a community forum titled “Geographic Atrophy Knowledge, Hope, and Help.” This event was tailored for individuals diagnosed with GA and their caregivers. Available for free online viewing, the forum includes various discussions on GA, patient experiences, and the resources available to those affected.

Among the speakers was Kira Baldonado, an executive at Prevent Blindness, alongside qualified medical professionals and individuals living with GA, who provided insights into their experiences.

Educational Videos and Resources

Prevent Blindness also offers a series of educational videos as part of the Focus on Eye Health series. Topics covered include treatment advancements for GA, personal stories from care partners, and discussions on optical advancements, enriching the knowledge base of viewers.

Moreover, a study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that 25% of adults with vision loss report feelings of anxiety or depression. Consequently, Prevent Blindness encourages individuals dealing with GA, or any form of vision loss, to utilize their Vision Loss and Mental Wellness resource. It aims to foster mental wellness and provide guidance on reaching out to mental health professionals for support.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

For further details regarding Geographic Atrophy, resources can be found at Prevent Blindness. The organization also extends its guidance concerning age-related macular degeneration and mental wellness resources derived from their extensive educational framework.

Founded in 1908, Prevent Blindness remains a beacon of hope in the fight against blindness, striving to promote eye health awareness and preventative measures. With unwavering support from the American public and various corporate contributors, the organization aims to eliminate preventable blindness in America.

Get Involved

The message is clear: awareness and education are pivotal in addressing vision threats posed by GA. As December approaches, communities are encouraged to participate in Geographic Atrophy Week by sharing information, utilizing resources, and advocating for early detection and care.