The Cure To Geographic Atrophy
By Alexa Tuya
After years of an increasing rate of blindness, researchers and ophthalmologists alike believe they’ve procured the solution. Today, more than an estimated 8 million people worldwide are affected by geographic atrophy. This condition is classified as an extreme stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that affects the retina. The rate of diagnosis is increasing at an alarming rate and is expected to affect millions more by 2040.
Geographic atrophy damages your retina in such a way that it removes all, if not most, of your central vision. This means people diagnosed with this condition cannot make out letters, words, drive, do regular tasks, and may even have difficulty recognizing faces.
Luckily, researchers have made an outstanding discovery that could change lives for the better. 70-year-old Shelia Irvine, who was diagnosed with AMD more than 15 years ago, participated in a world-first study with 38 other patients, which ended in a surgery where her vision was almost fully restored. Irvine came out after surgery, ecstatic after regaining the ability to read.
The procedure places a 2mm x 2mm chip that is inserted under a light layer of tissue known as the retina. However, the chip alone does not restore vision. Participants must wear specialized glasses paired with a camera. The information is then processed using artificial technology that sends out electrical signals to the optic nerve.
This innovation represents a step in the right direction for the field of ophthalmology. The opportunities are vast, promising to improve the quality of life for millions by restoring independence and the ability to engage in essential daily activities. It also validates the ongoing investment in research and the integration of emerging fields like artificial intelligence with medical treatments.
However, for many, the idea of traveling with all of the items required for the system to work seems like just too much of a hassle.
“I feel like the idea of having a cure to blindness is definitely a progressive discovery, but it might become kind of tedious to have to lug all the equipment required, everywhere with you,” said sophomore Christine Pajaren.
Others feel as though if they were put in a situation where they had to choose to stay blind or bear with the equipment, they’d choose the latter.
“I would wear the specialized glasses with a camera because, like, it would be kind of fun. I mean, it might be a bit weird with my life being recorded through my lens, but honestly, it would be nice, too. I would be really happy because I can now finally see,” said sophomore Gabriel Hidalgo.
This remarkable advancement isn’t just a clinical success; it’s the story of connection to the world. Imagine being able to see the faces of loved ones clearly again, or the simple joy of reading a newspaper or a book.
The initial results, particularly the case of Sheila Irvine, serve as a beacon of hope for the estimated millions of people who are currently living with the devastating effects of geographic atrophy. As researchers refine the technology and make the procedure more widespread, the potential for finding the cure to AMD as cases rise becomes drastically more important.
