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The article discusses therapies for geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that causes progressive and irreversible blindness. The prevalence of AMD is increasing globally, with approximately 196 million people affected in 2020. Diagnosis is made through fundus examination and imaging techniques like fundus photography, fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Currently, there is no clear standard of care treatment for GA, and ophthalmologists rely on vitamins and visual rehabilitation to manage the condition. Several clinical trials investigating potential therapies have shown mixed results. One therapy, pegcetacoplan, has shown promising results in reducing GA growth rate in phase 2 and 3 trials. Another therapy, avacincaptad pegol, has also demonstrated significant reductions in GA growth rate. However, both therapies have been associated with an increased risk of developing choroidal neovascularization (CNV). Other investigational agents targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and the complement pathway are also being studied. The most promising treatment option for GA is complement inhibition, which has shown to slow down the progression of the disease. Other therapies being pursued include gene therapy, regenerative and cell therapies. However, currently available treatments are unable to restore visual function and carry the risk of adverse events. Continued research and development of new drugs may lead to more effective treatments in the future. The document provides a list of references related to therapies for GA secondary [Extracted from the article]

Background: Traditionally fundus photographs and optical coherence tomography (OCT) are obtained separately during evaluation of retinal pathology. We describe a novel integrated imaging system (Monaco, Optos) that records both OCT as well as fundus photography concurrently. The present study aims to measure retinal thickness and compare it to OCT obtained with traditional spectral domain OCT in subjects without known retinal disease to establish normative data for clinical use., Methods: In this cross sectional study, fundus photographs and OCT was obtained concurrently in 34 eyes in healthy patients without any known retinal disease with integrated imaging system. OCT with spectralis was also obtained at the same visit for comparison. All subjects underwent a complete ophthalmologic exam to ensure the absence of ocular pathology. OCT was performed by the same operator. Central subfield thickness (CST), central point thickness (CPT), and retinal thickness in nine central subfields were measured with both 1 instruments. Fundus photographs were obtained. Students t -test was used to determine statistical significance., Results: The mean CST as measured with MIIS-SD OCT and Spectralis OCT was 300.53±22.81 µm and 265.18±17.33 µm (P<0.001) respectively. The Pearson's correlation coefficient, r value was 0.5285, P<0.0013. The mean CPT as measured with MIIS-SD OCT and Spectralis OCT was 268.55±20.70 and 230.67±17.75 µm (P<0.001) respectively. The r-value was 0.5697, P<0.0004. The mean difference between retinal thicknesses was 44.88 µm (range, 21-91 µm) in the eight ETDRS subfields, with r value 0.53, P<0.05, ranging from 0.51 to 0.60. Concurrently obtained ultrawide angle fundus photographs revealed (200°) clear media, normal disc, normal vasculature and normal periphery in all patients with excellent resolution., Conclusions: Retinal thickness measurements strongly correlated with those obtained by Spectralis. An increased measurement in thickness of 35.35 µm was noted in the central fovea. In addition, wide-angle fundus photography was successfully obtained in all subjects. Integrated system provides quality fundus photographs as well as OCT, obviates the need for two separate instruments and likely improves the clinic flow., Competing Interests: Conflicts of Interest: All authors have completed the ICMJE uniform disclosure form (available at https://dx.doi.org/10.21037/qims-20-1252). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare., (2022 Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery. All rights reserved.)