An at-home genetic test that predicts the risk of macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, could motivate thousands of people to take important measures to help preserve their eyesight. A saliva sample is sent off for analysis to assesses a person’s genetic risk of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
AMD occurs when the macula – the central part of the retina that sends fine, detailed images to the brain – begins to break down. Unfortunately, it has few early symptoms, and by the time it is diagnosed there is often already permanent visual damage.
While 75 to 85 per cent of AMD cases can be traced to genes inherited by family members, until recently there was no way of determining who might carry those genes. This new test has been shown to be 100 per cent accurate at detecting high-risk genes for AMD.
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Chapter: Eye Care,Health :: 16 April 2010
