Geographic atrophytreatment options remain limited.

you’re able to find these on the shelf at your local pharmacy.

Normally, thelens of the eyefocuses light rays on the light-sensitiveretinaat the back of the eye.

Person with geographic atrophy using magnifying glass to read book

Suphaporn / Getty Images

Macular degeneration and geographic atrophy affect the retina.

This technology can help with visual tasks ranging from reading to recognizing faces.

Your ophthalmologist will then test you to detect whether there is any improvement in your vision.

Acupunctureis rooted in ancient Chinese medicine.

The technique involves putting very slender needles in the skin at specific points to achieve a therapeutic goal.

While some saw a significant improvement, improvement was minimal for others, and some participants gained no improvement.

However, acupuncture did not worsen anyone’s condition.

But more study is needed here.

In addition, lifestyle can have a significant impact.

Things like quitting smoking, losing excess weight, and reducing sun exposure may help circumvent the progression.

Vitamin supplements, such as the AREDS1 and AREDS 2 formulations, can also play a role.

New treatments to either slow the progression or even cure it are under investigation.

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Geographic atrophy.

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National Eye Institute.AREDS/AREDS2 frequently asked questions.

Bright Focus Foundation.Vitamins for age-related macular degeneration: do you have the correct formula?

Food and Drug Administration.Syfovre label.

Bright Focus.The implantable miniature telescope for macular degeneration.

Dhaliwal DK, Zhou S.Acupuncture for dry AMD.Retina Today.