Patel PJ, et al. - Researchers conducted this cross-sectional study with a retrospective chart review to obtain comprehensive information on the burden of illness due to geographic atrophy (GA), a progressive, advanced form of age-related macular degeneration. The sample consisted of patients aged ≥ 70 years with physician-confirmed bilateral symptomatic GA due to age-related macular degeneration (GA group), as well as patients of similar age with no ophthalmic condition that in the opinion of the investigator affected visual function (non-GA group). Findings revealed that the associated mean annual costs for direct use of ophthalmological resources per patient in the GA group amounted to €1772 (mostly for tests/procedures), and €410 (mostly for general practitioner visits) for indirect use of ophthalmological resources. GA patients experience a lower level of vision-related function and QoL than their peers, particularly regarding driving. In addition, GA is related to notable healthcare resource utilization/associated costs, mostly direct costs attributed to diagnostic tests/procedures.