Berlin Eyecare now offers genetic testing for AMD and hereditary retinal disorders
What is Age-related Macular Degeneration?
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness vision loss in patients over the age of 55. The most severe form known as exudative or "wet" macular degeneration can cause dramatic loss of central vision. Often of acute onset, many patients only present to their eye doctor after the vision loss has become severe. While there are certain supplements sold for AMD, it is important to note they are not suitable for each patient and the earlier the condition is detected, the more informed decision making can be done to prevent possible vision loss.
Who should receive a genetic test for AMD?
There are two groups of people who may want to consider genetic testing for AMD. Primarily, patients who are already showing signs of AMD should be tested. Secondly, people who have a strong family history of AMD may consider being tested. Patients should be aware of the fact that our optometrists do not recommend this type of test for patients with 20/20 vision.
A genetic test can help determine your risk for developing this condition. If a patient is found to be at a low risk for developing AMD, they usually only need to be monitored on an annual basis. However, if the results of the genetic test confirm that you are at an increased risk for developing AMD, you can start making the necessary lifestyle changes so that you may reduce your risk.
How can we test for this condition genetically?
Genetic testing is now available and is now being utilized at Berlin Eyecare Associates . The "Macula Risk" genetic test by Arctic Dx, inc. involves the swabbing of the inner cheek for cell samples and having these samples analyzed by an outside laboratory. In a few weeks results are provided that can give a
cumulative risk for the development of AMD vision loss through age 80. We also can determine risk per decade. With this information we can identify patients who are at high risk and monitor them more frequently and closely.
What other factors determine risk of AMD?
In addition to genetic risk, there are also other non-genetic risk factors for ARMD such as smoking, UV light exposure, obesity, and low levels of protective photopigments in the macula. At Berlin Eyecare Associates we also assess these risk factors.. For those who may benefit from certain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, we can prescribe a safe supplement that can in the majority of cases, reduce the risk for AMD development
How to prepare for the test?
Do not drink or eat anything — including chewing gum, lozenges, cough drops, lollipops, suckers, etc. — or use things like tobacco products, lipstick-like products or mouthwash 30 minutes prior to a test.
Where can I learn more about AMD and the genetic tests?
Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of legal blindness vision loss in patients over the age of 55. The most severe form known as exudative or "wet" macular degeneration can cause dramatic loss of central vision. Often of acute onset, many patients only present to their eye doctor after the vision loss has become severe. While there are certain supplements sold for AMD, it is important to note they are not suitable for each patient and the earlier the condition is detected, the more informed decision making can be done to prevent possible vision loss.
Who should receive a genetic test for AMD?
There are two groups of people who may want to consider genetic testing for AMD. Primarily, patients who are already showing signs of AMD should be tested. Secondly, people who have a strong family history of AMD may consider being tested. Patients should be aware of the fact that our optometrists do not recommend this type of test for patients with 20/20 vision.
A genetic test can help determine your risk for developing this condition. If a patient is found to be at a low risk for developing AMD, they usually only need to be monitored on an annual basis. However, if the results of the genetic test confirm that you are at an increased risk for developing AMD, you can start making the necessary lifestyle changes so that you may reduce your risk.
How can we test for this condition genetically?
Genetic testing is now available and is now being utilized at Berlin Eyecare Associates . The "Macula Risk" genetic test by Arctic Dx, inc. involves the swabbing of the inner cheek for cell samples and having these samples analyzed by an outside laboratory. In a few weeks results are provided that can give a
cumulative risk for the development of AMD vision loss through age 80. We also can determine risk per decade. With this information we can identify patients who are at high risk and monitor them more frequently and closely.
What other factors determine risk of AMD?
In addition to genetic risk, there are also other non-genetic risk factors for ARMD such as smoking, UV light exposure, obesity, and low levels of protective photopigments in the macula. At Berlin Eyecare Associates we also assess these risk factors.. For those who may benefit from certain carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, we can prescribe a safe supplement that can in the majority of cases, reduce the risk for AMD development
How to prepare for the test?
Do not drink or eat anything — including chewing gum, lozenges, cough drops, lollipops, suckers, etc. — or use things like tobacco products, lipstick-like products or mouthwash 30 minutes prior to a test.
Where can I learn more about AMD and the genetic tests?
