The treatment of Geographic Atrophy is the focus of many current research trials, with the aim of slowing the growth of atrophy. To show that the treatments are working we need to be able to show and measure progression over time.

Visual acuity, as a measurable outcome for geographic atrophy, doesn't always represent the extent of changes that occurs over time with the growth of the atrophic lesion.

Microperimetry therefore has been a good option for capturing these changes over time.
As we can now see the earliest signs of atrophy on OCT and FAF imaging (iRORA, cRORA, nGA) we can follow the early signs with high density targeted microperimetry threshold testing. As general grids may miss the small areas of atrophy. It also allows us to determine what OCT features result in deep scotomas.

However when there is larger areas of atrophy, threshold testing isn't as reliable and can be difficult for patients, we are trialling the use defect mapping to identify the areas of deep visual sensitivity loss.

These two microperimetry testing methods means we are able to monitor and learn how atrophy progresses over time, what OCT markers result in decreased visual function and see the effects of the new treatments that are being trialled.