Atrophic AMD or geographic atrophy (GA) is the most advanced form of dry AMD. GA is a leading cause of visual impairment among elderly people. GA affects 5 million people worldwide, including 22% of people over 90 years old. While there are no approved treatments currently available, recent advances in our understanding of AMD mechanisms and risk factors provide a host of potential targets for drug development. GA progression causes a gradual loss of visual function in patients. Symptoms include the presence of scotomas (large dark or blind spots in the visual field), difficulty recognizing faces, decreased reading speed, problems adjusting to dark rooms, impaired contrast sensitivity, and difficulty driving at night.