Macular degeneration

• Fact: Although it does not cause total blindness, macular degeneration can affect your ability to read, drive and recognize people’s faces.
• Proportion of risk that’s in your genes: 67 percent.
• What you can do: The damage caused by macular degeneration can’t be reversed, but early detection and treatment may help reduce the extent of vision loss. Taking a genetic test to determine whether you have a genetic predisposition to macular degeneration is a good start.
• Did you know? Quitting smoking is the most important way to prevent macular degeneration. Being a smoker doubles your risk.

In age-related macular degeneration, tissue in the back of your eye that’s responsible for your most precise vision begins to deteriorate. This causes a blind spot in the center of your visual field; fine newsprint may become harder to read and street signs more difficult to recognize.

About 2 million Americans have macular degeneration, and it is the leading cause of severe vision loss in seniors.

Scientists have identified several common genetic variants that are associated with increased risk of macular degeneration. These variants can cause your risk of developing the health condition to rise steeply, depending on whether you have one or two copies of a risk marker. Our gene test scans your DNA for these genetic risk markers.

Knowing from genetic testing whether you have an inherited predisposition for the disease enables you and your doctor to be alert to symptoms of macular degeneration as they arise, aiding early detection and treatment.

One of the best things you can do for your eye health is to have your vision checked regularly. Another important step in preventing macular degeneration is not to smoke. Smokers are at least two times more likely than non-smokers to have macular degeneration, and are more likely to develop advanced forms of the disease. Various supplements may be appropriate, as well.