First time in U.S.: Genetic testing available for macular degeneration

COURTESY PHOTO David C. Brown A new test has been created to determine the inherited risk for age-related macular degeneration. The painless test, Macula Risk, was developed by a leading geneticist and an international group of independent research scientists.

David C. Brown, M.D., founder and medical director of Eye Centers of Florida, and Greg Hines, president and CEO of ArcticDX Inc., said analytical studies have shown the test to be 100 percent accurate in identifying the AMD genes.

"AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the western world among individuals over 50 years of age," said Dr. Brown.

Current estimates suggest that more than 10 million people in the U.S. suffer vision loss as a result of this disease. More people have AMD than breast cancer, prostate cancer, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease combined.

AMD is a progressive disease associated with aging that destroys sight by creating dim images or black holes in the center of your vision. Advanced AMD, which may develop rapidly, can impair the ability to perform common tasks such as reading, driving or watching television. Once significant vision is lost, it cannot be restored and, if untreated, AMD will ultimately lead to blindness.

Seventy-five to 80 percent of all cases of AMD have been traced to genes inherited from a family member. Until recently there was no opportunity to determine who may carry these genes or be at risk.

"Individuals with a family history of macular degeneration may have early signs of the disease and not be aware of it," said Mr. Hines . "For those with early disease, Macula Risk will tell them if they are likely to progress to vision loss so that they can seek professional support from their eye care center."

Eye Centers of Florida is well equipped to offer a disease management program aimed at saving the sight of those at risk. Eye Centers now offers Macula Risk, a CLIA certified saliva test to anyone who is concerned about a family member or themselves. The test is recommended for adults as a once in a lifetime test.

Eye Centers of Florida, founded by Dr. Brown, M.D., in 1982, is a nationally recognized, progressive eye care center providing complete vision care to individuals throughout Southwest Florida. For more information, visit www.ecof. com.