High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) and polymorphisms in the CFH and ARMS2/HTRA1 genes are independently associated with risk of AMD, according to a new research study. Higher CRP level tends to confer a higher risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) within most genotype groups. Studies have documented the importance of genetic,...

A novel strain of laboratory rats that develop both obesity and retinal degeneration is studied to gain an understanding as to why obesity is association with a higher risk for macular degeration. A strong association between macular degeneration and obesity has been shown in humans. A recently published risk calculator, based upon data from...

AREDS investigators have constructed a statistical model using known genetic, demographic and environmental risk factors that is able to accurately predict the progression to advanced AMD with 81.3% certainty. Knowledge about genetic and epidemiologic risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) has grown exponentially in recent...

Experts say there are things that can help you avoid AMD or at least ward off the worst effects. Unfortunately, some of the known risk factors for AMD are things you can't change: Age - Greater risk with increasing age Gender - Women may be at higher risk Race - Whites are most affected Genetics - AMD runs in families But there are some...

Decreasing abdominal obesity results in a lower risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), according to a new study. There is good evidence that obesity is a risk factor for AMD. Numerous cross-sectional and longitudinal studies have found an association between body mass index (BMI) and AMD. However, several studies have failed to find...

Ocular Surgery News reports that results of four studies suggest that ophthalmologists and cardiologists should consider common risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cardiovascular disease. Cross-disciplinary awareness of the shared risk factors between cardiovascular disease and AMD is important in treating patients with...

Obesity is already recognized as one of the leading preventable causes of death from heart disease and diabetes, but it's also a key factor in sight loss, according to a recent report from the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) in Britain. The report highlights the increased risk obese people (those who have a body mass index, or...