Visual disability

Geographic Atrophy: An Italian Study Shows the Benefits of Neuro‑Visual Rehabilitation

The Editorial Staff of Emianopsia

December 15, 2025 4 minutes

Italian clinical study confirms that neuro‑visual rehabilitation, through specific training, offers patients with Geographic Atrophy documented improvements in visual acuity and support to quality of life.

What Geographic Atrophy Is

Geographic atrophy (GA) is a retinal condition characterized by the progressive loss of retinal cells in the central area of the eye (the macula), which is responsible for sharp, detailed vision.

The term atrophy refers to the fact that these retinal areas begin to lose the cells that enable detailed sight. The adjective geographic refers to the appearance of the damaged areas, which resemble small spots or islands on a map.

These spots expand over time, creating dark (scotomas) or dim areas in central vision that may not be noticeable to the naked eye and can delay diagnosis.

In simple terms, some retinal cells stop functioning and die, creating actual “blank areas” in vision.

Geographic atrophy is the most advanced stage of age‑related macular degeneration (AMD “dry” form). It usually appears after age 55, and family history plays an important role: if a family member has macular degeneration, the risk of developing it increases by about 20%.

During retinal examination, small yellowish spots called “drusen” — biomarkers of disease progression — are commonly observed. These are deposits of waste material that increase in number and size over the years as retinal metabolism slows, a phenomenon that becomes more frequent with age.

How Geographic Atrophy Affects Vision

Geographic atrophy does not cause total vision loss, but it significantly reduces the quality of central vision. In other words, someone with GA may still see peripherally but struggles in central sight.

Common symptoms include:

Dark or blurred areas (scotomas) in the center of vision
Difficulty reading and recognizing faces
Distorted or incomplete central vision, with objects or letters missing
Problems perceiving light and contrast
Difficulty driving
Altered color perception

Treatments for Geographic Atrophy

Geographic atrophy is progressive and irreversible; currently, there are no cures that can restore damaged retina or completely stop the disease’s evolution.

Some specific ocular supplements may help slow retinal deterioration. A healthy and active lifestyle, including a balanced diet, blood pressure control, and UV protection, also plays an important role in eye health.

In recent years, research has led to the development of experimental drugs (anti-VEGF) based on the administration of “therapeutic DNA” through intravitreal injections, aimed at slowing disease progression. Like all medications, however, they may have some side effects.

Some studies, on the other hand, have evaluated the use of laser as a possible strategy to slow the progression of intermediate macular degeneration toward more advanced forms, such as geographic atrophy or the neovascular form. However, at present, there are no laser therapies approved as a clinical standard, and research is still ongoing to determine their actual effectiveness.

The New Italian Study on Neuro‑Visual Rehabilitation

A recent Italian clinical study¹ evaluated the effectiveness of neuro‑visual rehabilitation in patients with geographic atrophy. The study included 17 subjects undergoing a program of targeted visual stimulation designed to improve fixation (the ability to keep gaze steady) and macular sensitivity (the retina’s ability to perceive detail and contrast).

Participants were evaluated before and after the program using standard clinical tools and quality‑of‑life questionnaires related to visual function.

The study results, published in the European Journal of Ophthalmology, showed objective and noticeable improvements in daily life, even without reversing the retinal damage:

Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA): mean improvement from 0.55 to 0.39 LogMAR (roughly equivalent to about two extra lines on a standard eye chart)
Macular fixation stability: improved stability, making it easier to maintain gaze on objects or text without involuntary shifts
Macular sensitivity: increased ability to perceive detail and contrast in the central retina
Vision‑related quality of life: standardized questionnaire scores increased from 55.05 to 62.18, indicating better performance in reading, driving, recognizing faces, daily activities, and emotional well‑being linked to vision

These results suggest the rehabilitation program helps optimize the use of residual vision, improving both objective measures and subjective visual experience.

Why This Study Matters

While the study has limitations (like a small number of participants and lack of long‑term data), it highlights a real potential benefit. This is particularly meaningful because participants were in advanced stages of the disease, where therapeutic options are typically limited.

Neuro‑visual rehabilitation emerges as an important component in managing geographic atrophy: even without curative treatments, it can offer concrete, measurable benefits.

For people living with geographic atrophy, even small improvements in central vision can make daily tasks, such as reading, recognizing faces, or moving around safely, easier.

It’s valuable to discuss neuro‑visual rehabilitation possibilities with a specialist as part of a proactive approach to managing the disease.

Bobliography

Del Fabbro S, Jimenez B, Bianco L, et al. Neurovisual rehabilitation of patients with geographic atrophy secondary to age-related macular degeneration with AvDesk system. European Journal of Ophthalmology. 2025;0(0). doi:10.1177/11206721251349039