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Piecing Together the Complex AMD Puzzle

Thanks to over 20 years of clinical research involving more than 8,500 people, Johanna M. Seddon, M.D., a nationally recognized macular degeneration specialist and genetic epidemiologist, has identified a number of lifestyle factors, such as smoking and diet, which can affect a person’s risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Also, during the last five years, her research team and others in the retinal research community have collaborated to pinpoint several genetic variations that significantly impact the likelihood of a person getting AMD.

While substantial progress has been made in understanding AMD, Dr. Seddon’s clinical research continues in full force to better understand the link between genetics and lifestyle factors — information that can help doctors better inform patients about their risk for AMD, and at the same time, give researchers more precise targets for the treatment and prevention of AMD.

“There’s a baseline susceptibility based on genetics. But a person has the ability to modify that risk based on lifestyle changes. There’s definitely an interplay between genes and the environment,” says Dr. Seddon. “Our research team developed a prediction model for both the onset of macular degeneration and the progression from the early and intermediate stages to the advanced forms, which includes all of these genetic and environmental factors. We believe that in the next few years, we can make AMD risk assessment more accurate, and genetic testing may become more routine along with the clinical evaluation.” She adds that by identifying risk earlier in the disease process, both the patient and physician are in a better position to take actions that can prevent vision loss.

Dr. Seddon notes that approximately 13 genes are now linked to AMD, of which eight are confirmed, and many are associated with increased activity of the immune system. She says that earlier in human history, these genes may have played a role in protecting us from illness, but now, as we live longer, the unregulated immune system may be harmful in some people and cause eye disease. Modifying the complex immune response is now a goal of researchers developing treatments.

Dr. Seddon is recruiting individuals and families from across the country at high risk of developing AMD for her ongoing clinical research. Participation involves a clinical examination by a local ophthalmologist, completion of questionnaires, and a visit to a laboratory where a blood sample can be drawn. Out-of-town travel is not required.

“We are grateful to our study participants, because they are helping us to conduct critical research so that future generations will not have to suffer devastating vision loss from AMD,” says Dr. Seddon.

If you are affected with macular degeneration which has caused loss of vision or has required treatment, you may be eligible for the study. You are also eligible if you are a first degree relative (sibling or child) of someone who has this type of advanced eye disease. People with blood relatives who have AMD are eligible ONLY if their affected relative also participates.

To participate in her nationwide study, call 1-800-219-9157.

Dr. Seddon is professor of ophthalmology at Tufts University School of Medicine and the founding director, Ophthalmic Epidemiology & Genetics Service, New England Eye Center, Tufts Medical Center, and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Remember: To Reduce Your Risk of AMD:

Don’t smoke.
Maintain a healthy weight and exercise.
Eat colorful and leafy vegetables and fruits (foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin).
Eat tuna and salmon (foods rich in DHA and EPA).
Avoid processed baked goods and foods high in saturated and trans fats.

Remember: What’s Good for Your Heart is Good for Your Eyes

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