geographic atrophy icd 10. 3134 ICD-10 code H35. geographic atrophy icd 10

 
3134 ICD-10 code H35geographic atrophy icd 10 523 may differ

The global societal burden of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is huge due to the disabling vision loss that may ensue. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. 2023 - New Code 2024 Billable/Specific Code. NDC Number. It is a common condition, affecting approximately 2–3% of the general population. H44. However, in addition to providing granular severity and laterality information for geographic atrophy, ICD-10 codes were used in this study based on existing literature and recommendations to identify patients with geographic atrophy. 2. H35. Late indications are much more pronounced than early ones. cated areas of atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), outer retinal tissue, and choriocapillaris [3]. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H05. Last updated: September 2023. The following code (s) above H44. 293 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H31. 2019. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H47. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM K14. In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the development of geographic atrophy (GA) differs partially but fundamentally from its subsequent expansion: in its time-course, its risk factors, and its underlying mechanisms. 101 - H31. 3114, H35. e. 0): 124 Other disorders of the eye with mcc or thrombolytic agent. The term was introduced by Gass 1 in 1973 to refer to 1 or more circumscribed areas of atrophy in the macula that may gradually enlarge and coalesce. Methods : Retrospective analysis was conducted of patients with ICD-10 codes for GA (extrafoveal or foveal) in ≥1 eye from 2016 to 2017 with ≥2 years follow-up. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in elderly patients [1] and is classified as either non-exudative (i. However, in addition to providing granular severity and laterality information for geographic atrophy, ICD-10 codes were used in this study based on existing literature and recommendations to identify patients with geographic atrophy. 0) atrophy of edentulous alveolar ridge (K08. Synonyms: acquired anomaly of tongue, acquired hypertrophy of tongue, acquired. 2024 ICD-10-CM Range H00-H59. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM G31. , the development and enlargement of atrophy outside the fovea with involvement of the. It may be inherited or acquired. Showing 1-25: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H47. Applicable To. H44. 1 may differ. Drusen-related GA remains a large public health concern due to the. Geographic atrophy is a chronic progressive condition that tends to occur in the late stage of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Glossitis. 3223 - other international versions of ICD-10 H35. tion (ICD-10-CM): FY 2018 versi on. Atrophy of globe, left eye Billable Code. 52 may differ. 8 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 32 may differ. The wet form of. Drusen and disciform lesions have been observed in conjunction for well over 100 years. ICD-10-CM Coding Rules. 293 may differ. Geographic atrophy (GA) is the advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). See GA Differently. 4 became effective on October 1, 2023. S. 89 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 09 - other international versions of ICD-10 G31. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H05. [1] It is a well circumscribed, bilateral and symmetrical lesion with loss of retinal and choroidal tissue in the macular area. 9 is grouped within Diagnostic Related Group (s) (MS-DRG v41. 89 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Izervay slowed progression of geographic atrophy effectively and quickly in clinical trials. Claims may be denied initially due to the reported ICD-10 code for dry AMD. Applicable To. Clinical severity. RPE cells are “one of the most metabolically active tissues in the human body,” he says, and are responsible for cleaning out the many waste products that develop in the retina. H02. Pegcetacoplan is an. Diseases of the eye and adnexa. ICD-10-CM Coding Rules. Geographic atrophy : This is considered to be the last, most severe stage of dry macular degeneration. In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), geographic atrophy (GA) is the defining lesion of the atrophic form of late disease. Geographic atrophy (GA) is a chronic, progressive degeneration of the macula that can occur in some people with dry macular degeneration. N42. 292 became effective on October 1, 2023. ICD-9-CM 362. Plasma from subjects with GA,. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM K76. 011. 191 results found. 2. Geographic atrophy causes around 20% of legal blindness in North America. 20 - Unspecified optic atrophy. As it is gradual, those with late stage AMD will have had the. In the current therapeutic landscape, intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) therapies have been central to the management of neovascular AMD (also known as wet AMD), whereas treatments for geographic atrophy have lagged behind. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H05. -) 124 Other disorders of the eye with mcc or thrombolytic agent. 30: Unspecified macular degeneration [Geographic atrophy] H35. ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code C02. Although originally thought to be distinct from age-related macular degeneration, it is now considered to be in the same spectrum as macular degeneration. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H35. In 10 – 15% of patients with dry AMD, the disease converts to the wet form, which is also an advanced form of AMD. ICD 10 code for Other atrophic disorders of skin. 5 mm while. Geographic atrophy and type 3 neovascularization are particularly associated with SDD. Short description: Nexdtve age-rel mclr degn, r. The following code (s) above H31. 019 - other international versions of ICD-10 H31. 0 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Open in a separate window. BVMD may progress to geographic atrophy and in some cases is complicated by development of CNV. Approximately 10-15% of the cases of macular degeneration are the “wet” (exudative) type. 882 MGD, right lower lid. Request a Demo 14. The U. H 35. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H35. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H47. Symptoms of Geographic Atrophy. Optic atrophy assoc with retinal dystrophy; Optic atrophy associated with retinal dystrophy; Postinflammatory optic atrophy. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H44. It is always the provider’s responsibility to determine the appropriate clinical diagnosis, and to submit true and correct claims for services rendered. Around 28% of people with middle stage AMD experience a progression to late stage dry AMD, or geographic atrophy, within 5 years. Showing 1-25: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code H47. Permanent J-Code. 89 is a billable diagnosis code used to specify other specified retinal disorders. 41 may differ. CODING Q&A The Big ICD-10 Update is Here SUZANNE L. K14. H44. but it’s more descriptive. Introduction. Engl. Aetna will not provide coverage for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to a condition other than AMD (such as Stargardt disease, cone rod dystrophy, toxic maculopathies). [convert to ICD-9-CM]G32. 500 results found. We used a Delphi approach to determine consensus in key areas around diagnosis and management of GA. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H47. 1, 2 However, minimum sizes to define atrophic patches vary. Peripapillary atrophy may either be white, yellow, or black in color, depending on. H35. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H31. 522. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of G32. It may be inherited or acquired. Showing 1-25: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code N95. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H35. Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive and irreversible retinal disease with no comprehensive recommendations for diagnosis or monitoring. Geographic atrophy (GA) is a late-stage of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). CMS Long Descriptor2. Current murine models fail to fully recapitulate the. 09 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The code is valid during the current fiscal year for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions from October 01, 2023 through September 30, 2024. Chorioretinal Atrophy. Although patients with AMD may benefit from supplements consisting. H35. What is Geographic Atrophy (GA)? Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (commonly referred to as AMD). . [1] This process is not. Keywords: Age-related macular degeneration; Geographic atrophy; ICD-10; Intermediate AMD. 69% among those aged 45–85 years. 2 General Pathology; 2. H47. 8; senilis R54. 351 - other international versions of ICD-10 H35. 5 ICD-10 code M62. With. Numerator. Other disorders of globe. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), in which local inflammation and hyperactivity of the complement pathway have been implicated in its pathophysiology. g. Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. Additionally, we identified dAMD categories through use of physician ICD-9/10 coding practices, whereas the AREDS study defined AMD categories using drusen size. 212 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Methods We manually delineated color fundus photographs of 209 Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) participants with GA secondary to age-related macular degeneration to identify total area of atrophy, GA. Search All ICD-10 Toggle Dropdown. Apellis Pharmaceuticals. Synonyms: abnormal rod or cone threshold, absent foveal reflex, acute annular. Example of retinal pigment epithelial loss associated with retinal features in antiangiogenic therapy of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of vision loss and visual impairment in people over 50 years of age. 292 may differ. Search All ICD-10; ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Codes; ICD-10-PCS Procedure CodesThe regions of atrophy result in a blind spot in the visual field. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of L91. Numerator Options: Introduction Understanding the progression to geographic atrophy (GA) in late dry age-related macular degeneration (dAMD) can support development opportunities for dAMD treatments. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H47. GA is distinct from wet or neovascular AMD (nAMD), the other form of advanced AMD. Sudden-onset of blurring or distortion of vision is often the presenting symptom in the neovascular form. ICD-10 codes covered if selection criteria are met [covered for ages 65 and above only]: H35. -) A disorder characterized by loss of optic nerve fibers. 2B1 contain annotation back-references that may be applicable to H44. Classification of Atrophy Meeting Report 5 Jaffe G, Chakravarthy U, Freund K, et al. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by atrophic lesions that first start in the outer retina and progressively expand to cover the macula and the fovea, the center of the macula, leading to irreversible loss of vision over time. 3 min read. (ICD)-10 diagnosis code for GA in ≥ 1 eye between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017. H47. K14. 523 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Chorioretinal atrophy (CR) is the result of loss of the choriocapillaris, Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE), and the outer layers of the sensory retina. Dry age-related macular degeneration. Injection, pegcetacoplan, intravitreal, 1 mg*. 291 for Other optic atrophy, right eye is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Diseases of the eye and adnexa . Muscle wasting and atrophy, not elsewhere classified, back, lumbosacral. 32. 30 may differ. In this stage, the drusen damage is so extensive that it causes blind spots in the patient’s central vision. Geographic atrophy (GA) of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is a devastating complication of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H47. Chorioretinal Atrophy. 1-3 There are no standard treatment guidelines for GA, but early detection is important because a new therapy. Introduction. Geographic atrophy (GA) is a debilitating eye disease affecting 5 million individuals globally with expected growth to reach approximately 9 to 10 million individuals by the year 2040. Better characterization and new imaging techniques are changing the way optometrists manage geographic atrophy and providing hope for future treatments for the disease. ICD-10. Geographic atrophy is an advanced form of AMD 1,10,11 characterised by irreversible and. Today, a New Drug Application has been submitted to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for intravitreal pegcetacoplan for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA) secondary to age-related macular degeneration (AMD). 881 MGD, right upper lid. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of K76. H44. 3134 - other international versions of ICD-10 H35. . Request a Demo 14. D. Geographic atrophy can affect one or both eyes, and a patient with geographic atrophy in one eye is more likely to develop it in the other. 1. ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R54. M62. 3210 – H35. 292 became effective on October 1, 2023. 3,4 Geographic atrophy is typically bilateral, 5 and lesionYou can develop both geographic atrophy and wet macular degeneration. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by atrophic lesions that first start in the outer retina and progressively expand to cover the macula and the fovea, the center of the macula, leading to irreversible loss of vision over time. Short description: Nexdtve age-related mclr. Methods This retrospective observational study used data from the American Academy of. 019 may differ. Up to 20%. high. Short description: Muscle wasting and atrophy, NEC, left forearm The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM M62. The term “geographic atrophy” was originally introduced because it was felt that well-demarcated borders of atrophic areas would not seem to be related to specific anatomic structures. The ICD-10-CM Alphabetical Index is designed to allow medical coders to look up various medical terms and connect them with the appropriate ICD codes. Iveric Bio. 4 Accurate documentation of GA is important for patients in clinical trials and for new therapies as. Gualino V, Tadayoni R, Cohen SY, et al. CPT Code3. , wet or neovascular). 4, 5 Although neovascular AMD (nAMD) can be successfully treated with VEGF inhibitors, the treatment of GA remains a substantially unmet need. 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 52 : H00-H59. 0 may differ. However, the involvement of the different complement pathways (classical, lectin, alternative), and thus the. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H47. L. 50 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. Geographic atrophy was more prevalent in South Asia (based on studies from India and Nepal, 3. Current murine models fail to fully recapitulate the. Chorioretinal atrophy (CR) is the result of loss of the choriocapillaris, Retinal Pigment Epithelium (RPE), and the outer layers of the sensory retina. Geographic atrophy (GA) is a late-stage form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) characterized by progressive degenerative lesions affecting photoreceptors, retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), and choriocapillaris primarily in the macula [1,2,3,4,5]. 1. At 24 months, the results of DERBY and OAKS are similar for extrafoveal vs subfoveal lesions. The Progression of Geographic Atrophy Secondary to Age-Related Macular Degeneration Monika Fleckenstein, MD,1 Paul Mitchell, MD,. The following references are applicable to this diagnosis. 89 - other international versions of ICD-10 D75. The atrophy is called geographic because confluent loss of the. 319 may differ. 219 became effective on October 1, 2023. 8. 89 became effective on October 1, 2023. M62. Example of retinal pigment epithelial loss associated with retinal features in antiangiogenic therapy of neovascular age-related macular degeneration. Methods: We manually delineated color fundus photographs of 209 Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) participants with GA secondary to age-related macular degeneration to identify total area of atrophy, GA. Characterized by drusen formation, macular pigmentary changes, geographic atrophy, and neovascularization of the choriocapillaris with exudation. 10-digit: 73606-020-01 and 11-digit: 73606-0020-01. 5; ICD-11: 9B70; OMIM: 153700; UMLS: C0339510; MeSH: -GARD: 182; MedDRA: -Summary. The term was introduced by Gass in 1973 to refer to one or more circumscribed areas of atrophy in the macula that may gradually enlarge and coalesce (). Applicable To. Contents. Significant atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) was frequently apparent beneath. Atrophy of left orbit. 31x4) based on the Academy's preferred practice patterns. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H47. ICD-10 (2016) Diseases of oral cavity and salivary glands (K00-K14). Resources to learn about geographic atrophy. 521 - other international versions of ICD-10 H44. 522 became effective on October 1, 2023. 10 The ICD-9-CM classification of AMD is contained in Appendix Figure 3. 0): 606 Minor skin disorders with mcc. 1 Geographic atrophy is characterized by the presence of well-demarcated atrophic lesions in the macula, with progressive degeneration of photoreceptors, retinal pigment. 49 to ICD-9-CM. It is the advanced stage of dry ARMD. 1 Retrospective data analysed from multicentre clinical trials demonstrate the necessity of long term follow-up of patients treated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) agents, both to monitor long. 2020 Feb;127(2):186-195. Category Disorders Of The Optic Nerve And The Visual Pathways . This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H44. Spinal muscle atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive inherited disease; characterised by progressive symmetrical muscle weakness. Subscribe to Codify by AAPC and get the code details in a flash. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. No ICD-10 codes exist specifically for Retinal Pigment Epithelial Tears. We highlight clinical trial data from phase I, II, and III studies. 30 is applicable to adult patients aged 15 through 124 years. Authors Antony J Wightman 1 2 3 , Robyn H Guymer 1 2 3. Cancer Therapy Advisor; Clinical Advisor;. ophtha. Which eye is being treated should be indicated by the treatment ICD 10 code for macular degeneration. 312 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 30 - other international versions of ICD-10 H35. 2 In contrast to neovascular AMD, which is characterized by acute vision loss, GA is a. There are 130 terms under the parent term 'Atrophy' in the ICD-10-CM Alphabetical Index . The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H47. Geographic atrophy (GA) is generally defined as the advanced or late stage of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) with a circular area of atrophy of 175 μm or more. 1 Classification of Peripheral Retinal Degenerations. 211 - other international versions of ICD-10 H47. 093 - other international versions of ICD-10 H31. Description High myopia is defined as myopia greater than 6 diopters and an axial length of 26. 1–3 Subsequently, the phenomenon of “foveal sparing” was observed (i. Background. eating a diet low in fruits and vegetables. *Dose descriptor is assigned by CMS; please see full prescribing information for approved dosing. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), characterized by atrophic lesions that first start in the outer retina and progressively expand to cover the macula and the fovea, the center of the macula, leading to irreversible loss of vision over time. 019 contain annotation back-referencesAreas of geographic atrophy developed over 2 years in 61% of eyes. ICD-10 code H47. Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) that leads to progressive and irreversible loss of visual function. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10 codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more. H47. Primary optic atrophy, left eye. 9 - other international versions of ICD-10 H35. Other optic atrophy, left eye. ICD-10; CME/CE; MPR App; Haymarket Medical Network. The initial symptom may be found during reading, when one or several letters in a word are “missing. 21 - Primary optic atrophy. Systematic review methodology: Relevant publications on Age-Related Macular Degeneration that were published until 2014. doi: 10. The clinical manifestations of non-exudative AMD range from incidental findings of drusen to geographic atrophy causing significant vision loss, and. You’ll still have your peripheral vision — what you can see on all sides of the center. Diseases of the nervous system. 313 ICD-10 code H35. 227 results found. 3% of people between the age of 75-84, increasing to nearly 22% after 90 years of age. 2019 Sep;39(9):1664-1671. Purpose: Late-onset central areolar choroidal dystrophy (CACD) may easily be confused with geographic atrophy (GA) in AMD. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Subscribe to Codify by AAPC and get the code details in a flash. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that damages photoreceptors, light-sensing nerve cells in the retina, and is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. 09 may differ. Dosing is set at about every 25 to 60 days, according to Apellis, the drug’s manufacturer, depending on the individual’s response. 292 is a valid billable ICD-10 diagnosis code for Other optic atrophy, left eye . Atrophy of orbital structure; Orbital atrophy. 31 and H35. They more. 3114 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of K76. The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. 213 - other international versions of ICD-10 H47. Bacterial vaginitis in pregnancy; Bacterial vaginosis; Bacterial vaginosis in pregnancy. Geographic atrophy (GA) is a progressive, advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and is characterized by irreversible atrophy of the retinal pigment epithelium photoreceptors and choriocapillaris, 1, 2 and is therefore associated with significant, irreversible loss of vision. 291 became effective on October 1, 2023. The code H35. 2B1 : H00-H59. 88A MGD, Right upper and lower lids. A Yes. 351 may differ. 291 and a single ICD9 code, 377. 119 may differ. 4 may differ. DescriptionThis is the official approximate match mapping between ICD9 and ICD10, as provided by the General Equivalency mapping crosswalk. 1 - other international versions of ICD-10 H02. H02. ICD-10-CM Code H44. 20 - other international versions of ICD-10 H47. 3223 is applicable to adult patients aged 15 - 124 years inclusive. Atrophic age-related macular degeneration. However, the involvement of the different. H47. 52. GA may be classified as drusen-related (drusen-associated GA) or neovascularization-related (neovascular-associated GA). The 2024 edition of ICD-10-CM H35. Fact Checked. Age-related macular degeneration; Geographic atrophy Other optic atrophy, right eye. Objectives: The objective of our study was to review the current knowledge on Age- Related Macular Degeneration, including pathogenesis, ocular manifestations, diagnosis and ancillary testing. H35. The patients by now, because the foveal became involved, are starting to use their eccentric fixation with a. ICD-10 code H44. Geographic Atrophy – The advanced form of non-neovascular AMD, will have one or more zones of well- demarcated retinal pigment epithelial and/or choriocapillaris atrophy. Title Progressive High (degenerative) Myopia. -) A disorder involving the retina. If two injections are performed the same day — one treatment for geographic atrophy and a second with an anti-VEGF — due to the MUE, only one injection can be paid. The U. H47. 2 became effective on October 1, 2023. 50 is a billable medical code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis on a reimbursement claim, however, 362. Nonexudative AMD Nonexudative (dry or atrophic) AMD accounts for 90 percent of all Versions 10, 11 Beta Draft, 10 Clinical Modification, and Proposed 11 ICD-1017 and ICD-10-CM (2016)18 ICD-11 Beta Draft21 ICD-10-CM (2017)19,20 and Proposed ICD-11 Current international version of ICD by the WHO Former (FY2016) US version of the ICD-10-CM by the CDC Draft international version of ICD-11 by the WHO; revisions still in progress 362. acute gingivitis (K05. L91. 50. It is theorized that this mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to cell death and geographic atrophy in dry AMD. 89 became effective on October 1, 2023. It is found in the 2023 version of the ICD-10 Clinical Modification (CM) and can be used in all HIPAA-covered transactions from Oct 01, 2022 - Sep 30, 2023 . Bilateral GA leads to severe visual impairment thus posing a significant burden on patients, careers and health providers. ORT is most commonly seen in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) but is also seen in various chronic degenerative retinal disorders. There are no disease-modifying treatments available for geographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration. GA is distinct from wet or neovascular AMD (nAMD. Geographic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted for Priority Review the New Drug Application (NDA) for pegcetacoplan for the treatment of geographic atrophy (GA). 292 - other international versions of ICD-10 H47. This is the American ICD-10-CM version of H47. K76. Holz, MD,1 Christopher Brittain, MBBS,7 Erin C. 213 may differ. 1, 2 Although atrophic lesions typically appear first in the perifoveal macula, sparing the foveal center, over time these lesions often expand and coalesce to include the fovea. On the pages of a book, it may seem like certain letters are missing when you look straight at the page. The study included patients who were ≥ 50 years of age at the index date with an International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 diagnosis code for GA in ≥ 1 eye between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2017. The application for the first potential drug indicated for treatment of GA was submitted by Apellis Pharmaceuticals,. Patients with geographic atrophy, which does not always affect the central fovea, may have relatively high distant visual acuity but exhibit a significantly reduced capacity for close-up tasks like reading.