26 Apr GENETIC TESTING FOR ARMD
Age- Related Macular Disease is a common eye condition and a leading cause of vision loss among people aged 50 and above. ARMD is caused due to the deterioration of the macula, which is the small central area of the retina.
ARMD does not lead to complete blindness. However, the loss of central vision can interfere with simple everyday activities, such as the ability to see faces, drive, read, write, or do close work, such as cooking or fixing things around the house.
Macular degeneration is diagnosed as either dry (non-neovascular) or wet (neovascular). Neovascular refers to the growth of new blood vessels in an area, such as the macula, where they are not supposed to be.
The dry form of ARMD is more common than the wet form, with about 85 to 90 percent of AMD patients diagnosed with dry AMD. The wet form of the disease usually leads to more serious vision loss.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is caused by a number of genetic factors, environmental factors and, ageing. People with an affected parent have approximately twice the risk of getting the disease than someone whose parents do not have AMD.
Therefore, it’s advised to have an annual check-up with your optometrist and to consider getting new genetic testing done for a better outcome, since vision is saved with early detection and intervention.
Genetic testing can help with the following:
– It will identify if the individual has the gene responsible for getting the disease in the future.
– Help the individuals with AMD set up a proper check-up regimen with their eye care professional based on whether the results show if their disease will progress to wet.
– Helps AMD patients decipher whether they can have an AREDS supplement with zinc; since the presence of a certain gene can react negatively with zinc; thus may cause the onset of Alzheimer’s.
– If the result for genetic testing is positive, you can take required precautions for your children and others in the family, and adapt to a healthier diet accordingly.
– Genetic testing can help you identify ARMD in a timely manner so you can take the following measures to further prevent damage:
* Stop smoking
* Eat a diet rich in vegetables and fruits
* Eat fish twice a week, especially salmon, sardines, or mackerel
* Take vitamins if recommended by your doctor
Visit Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today and get a genetic test done for ARMD. Call us now at 416 661 5555 and we will be happy to assist you.
