Pigmentary Changes or Geographic Atrophy?

by Mike
(shelburne, ma)

I find the terminology of AMD very confusing. Specifically, the difference between geographic atrophy and "pigmentary changes". Are the pigmentary changes in fact geographic atrophy (that has not impacted the central area?)

Thanks, Leslie.

REPLY

Hi Mike,

Macular degeneration is a progressive disease.
Dry or atrophic macular degeneration (AMD) is identified by three macular degeneration stages.

Each eye may be in a different stage.
1. Early AMD

2. Intermediate AMD

3. Advanced AMD

This late stage, or advanced AMD, is identified by circular patches of partial or complete depigmentation of one of the layers of the retina, the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE).

To see a picture click here:

Geographic Atrophy

Kind Regards,

Leslie Degner, RN, BSN