Should You Have Genetic Testing for Macular Degeneration?

With the availability of genetic testing for many diseases, a question patients are beginning to ask is whether they should have genetic testing for Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). While the presence of specific genes may indicate a increased for age related macular degeneration, according to researchers commenting in the January 2013 publication Ophthalmology routine genetic testing to predict the development of age related macular degeneration (AMD) does not really predict how a person would respond to Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) Inhibitor injections and thus the genetic testing is not recommended. Further, the downside of routine genetic testing at present is that it can cause unnecessary anxiety, it can leave patients with promises that are not fulfilled and it may impact insurability and employability.

If you or someone you know has a question about genetic testing for Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), please feel free to call Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center at 219-464-8223, or visit Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center or facebook.com/nwindianaeyeandlaser. 

Northwest Indiana Eye & Laser Center offices are located at 522 Marquette Street, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 and 1001 South Edgewood Drive, Knox, Indiana 46354.