Sight is one of our most valued senses, which allows us to connect with the world around us. With age, however, for millions of people, eyesight-related challenges begin, starting with slight blurriness, a struggle to read fine print, or difficulty seeing at night. These vary in different individuals, and for some, it may progressively lead to the irreversible loss of vision.
Out of the many age-related eye conditions, one of the most common reasons for loss of vision in patients over the age of 50 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As life expectancy increases in India, eye specialists are noticing growing cases of AMD. This condition often comes with early symptoms, making a timely identification important for preventing the onset or managing the condition better.
The Genetic Link
While lifestyle and environmental factors like age, smoking, and poor nutrition are known risk factors, scientists now recognize that genetics considerably influences who is more likely to develop AMD. Specific mutations in the CFH, ARMS2, and HTRA1 genes can impact how the retina handles oxidative stress and inflammation. These two processes are crucial because they can harm the macula, which is responsible for central vision.
Research studies indicate that people with certain genetic variants in these genes are up to 3 to 6 times more likely to develop AMD than those who do not have these variants. This explains why two people of the same age and lifestyle can experience different outcomes when it comes to their eye health.
Early detection can change the story
The start of AMD does not mean inevitable blindness. Understanding an individual’s genetic predisposition can enable doctors to recommend the right precautions to slow or mitigate its progress.
For those with high-risk variants for AMD, ophthalmologists can provide individualized recommendations, like more frequent follow-up retinal examinations, diet modifications such as lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation, and lifestyle changes that can minimize oxidative damage, which contributes to AMD.
Why genetic insights matter
Standard eye exams evaluate observable physical changes, but they often do not spot the hidden genetic risk that may be silently influencing the development of an eye-related disease. Genetic tests thus empower individuals to take action to mitigate potential diseases when they are younger.
Since AMD often runs in families, this is also important information for parents, siblings, children, and family members to understand their own risks and adopt protective habits early.
From awareness to action
Vision loss due to ageing is not an inevitable process. Early detection allows for this condition to be identified and treated early, enabling better management. The first step to protecting sight and quality of life is understanding your genetic risk.
If you have a family history of vision loss or any other eye condition or notice changes in your eyesight, consult your eye care professional, consider receiving a genetic risk assessment, and take a step forward towards protecting your vision.
Dr. N. Soumittra, Disease Head, Ophthalmology, MedGenome
Out of the many age-related eye conditions, one of the most common reasons for loss of vision in patients over the age of 50 is age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As life expectancy increases in India, eye specialists are noticing growing cases of AMD. This condition often comes with early symptoms, making a timely identification important for preventing the onset or managing the condition better.
The Genetic Link
While lifestyle and environmental factors like age, smoking, and poor nutrition are known risk factors, scientists now recognize that genetics considerably influences who is more likely to develop AMD. Specific mutations in the CFH, ARMS2, and HTRA1 genes can impact how the retina handles oxidative stress and inflammation. These two processes are crucial because they can harm the macula, which is responsible for central vision.
Research studies indicate that people with certain genetic variants in these genes are up to 3 to 6 times more likely to develop AMD than those who do not have these variants. This explains why two people of the same age and lifestyle can experience different outcomes when it comes to their eye health.
Early detection can change the story
The start of AMD does not mean inevitable blindness. Understanding an individual’s genetic predisposition can enable doctors to recommend the right precautions to slow or mitigate its progress.
For those with high-risk variants for AMD, ophthalmologists can provide individualized recommendations, like more frequent follow-up retinal examinations, diet modifications such as lutein and zeaxanthin supplementation, and lifestyle changes that can minimize oxidative damage, which contributes to AMD.
Why genetic insights matter
Standard eye exams evaluate observable physical changes, but they often do not spot the hidden genetic risk that may be silently influencing the development of an eye-related disease. Genetic tests thus empower individuals to take action to mitigate potential diseases when they are younger.
Since AMD often runs in families, this is also important information for parents, siblings, children, and family members to understand their own risks and adopt protective habits early.
From awareness to action
Vision loss due to ageing is not an inevitable process. Early detection allows for this condition to be identified and treated early, enabling better management. The first step to protecting sight and quality of life is understanding your genetic risk.
If you have a family history of vision loss or any other eye condition or notice changes in your eyesight, consult your eye care professional, consider receiving a genetic risk assessment, and take a step forward towards protecting your vision.
Dr. N. Soumittra, Disease Head, Ophthalmology, MedGenome
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