Genetic Testing for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)may be found in all ethnicities. It is very common among Caucasians. One in ten over the age of 60 have some form of AMD. The ratio increases to one in 4 for those over 70. AMD is the leading cause of legal blindness for people over the age of 55 in the Western world. There are over 5 million new cases per year in Europe and North America alone.
AMD is a multifactorial disorder with both genetic and environmental risk factors. The most well-established risk factors are age, family history and smoking. In this regard, a number of studies have linked several genes with the pathogenesis of AMD, suggesting that interactions between genetics and environmental factors combine to predispose people to AMD and/or trigger its development (1).
New research indicates that by knowing an individual's genetic makeup, we may be able to accurately predict that patient's risk for developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). And now, new in office genetic testing is available that can do just that: Predict an individual's risk for developing advanced AMD.
Who qualifies for this genetic testing?
This test is specifically designed for patients with existing macular degeneration and/or patients who have precursor signs for macular degeneration.
Will my insurance cover this test?
Most medical (not vision insurance) insurance providers including Medicare will cover this test as long as it is ordered by the doctor and there is a specific diagnosis requiring this test to be performed. The doctor's office does not collect any money from the patient for the test, and there are no co-pays required for this test. The laboratory bills the insurer on behalf of the patient. If there is no diagnosis of AMD (e.g., patients with no AMD but who just "want to know"), patients will be responsible for the testing fee ($750.00). This is a fee set by the laboratory and is paid directly to the laboratory.
How is the test administered?
A cheek sample will be taken using a special swab in office. The collection sample will then be sent to a special genetic testing laboratory. Results usually take about 3-4 weeks. Based on the results, the patient will be classified as having either a low, average, increased, high, or very high risk for developing the advanced stage of the disease. Written genetic support will also be provided to each patient.
Why is this important?
Knowing your risk for AMD progression is important because we'll be better able to counsel and manage those patients with higher risk, initiate specific vitamin therapy sooner, and motivate people to modify their lifestyle choices (i.e., stop smoking and use UV protective lenses).
(1) Review of Optometry (2nd Annual Retina Report) : Steven Ferrucci, O.D.
AMD is a multifactorial disorder with both genetic and environmental risk factors. The most well-established risk factors are age, family history and smoking. In this regard, a number of studies have linked several genes with the pathogenesis of AMD, suggesting that interactions between genetics and environmental factors combine to predispose people to AMD and/or trigger its development (1).
New research indicates that by knowing an individual's genetic makeup, we may be able to accurately predict that patient's risk for developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). And now, new in office genetic testing is available that can do just that: Predict an individual's risk for developing advanced AMD.
Who qualifies for this genetic testing?
This test is specifically designed for patients with existing macular degeneration and/or patients who have precursor signs for macular degeneration.
Will my insurance cover this test?
Most medical (not vision insurance) insurance providers including Medicare will cover this test as long as it is ordered by the doctor and there is a specific diagnosis requiring this test to be performed. The doctor's office does not collect any money from the patient for the test, and there are no co-pays required for this test. The laboratory bills the insurer on behalf of the patient. If there is no diagnosis of AMD (e.g., patients with no AMD but who just "want to know"), patients will be responsible for the testing fee ($750.00). This is a fee set by the laboratory and is paid directly to the laboratory.
How is the test administered?
A cheek sample will be taken using a special swab in office. The collection sample will then be sent to a special genetic testing laboratory. Results usually take about 3-4 weeks. Based on the results, the patient will be classified as having either a low, average, increased, high, or very high risk for developing the advanced stage of the disease. Written genetic support will also be provided to each patient.
Why is this important?
Knowing your risk for AMD progression is important because we'll be better able to counsel and manage those patients with higher risk, initiate specific vitamin therapy sooner, and motivate people to modify their lifestyle choices (i.e., stop smoking and use UV protective lenses).
(1) Review of Optometry (2nd Annual Retina Report) : Steven Ferrucci, O.D.