Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) affects over one million Canadians and is the leading cause of severe vision loss in the developed world. 1 in 3 Canadians over the age of 75 has some degree of this predominantly inherited eye disease. This progressive eye disease affects central vision, impairing the ability to perform everyday tasks such as reading, driving, or watching television.
Currently, most patients diagnosed with AMD are prescribed vitamin supplements derived from the formulation used in the 2001 Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). But recent analysis of that data has shown that 49% of the patients involved would have benefited from a different supplement formulation.
As a low vision optometrist, I mainly see people living with various degrees of vision loss. I am constantly learning as much as I can about newest research and treatments with an extra emphasis on ways to slow down vision loss or educate family members who may be genetically pre-disposed to an eye condition on what they can do to prevent severe vision loss.
This is the reason why I'm so passionate about what I do and I love educating others about the help that is available when in comes to vision, vision loss, and eye health.
Macula Risk® is a regulated genetic test that has been created from evolving science and studies related to AMD and human genetics. The Macu Risk® genetic test identifies individuals (1 in every 5 patients) that are at the highest risk of vision loss due to AMD. Identifying these patients early allows me as your low vision doctor to implement a disease management strategy focused on sight preservation.
There is a test that you can do from the comforts of your home (or in the office) that can dive deeper into your eye health and support you by addressing how to enhance your vision and look further at the holistic side of bettering your eyesight with solutions beyond the traditional.
Macula Risk- Specialized Testing
The Macula Risk® is a DNA test identifying many of the genes (15 genetic variations in 12 genes) associated with the progression of age related macular degeneration (AMD).
- The Macula Risk report provides a two, five and 10-year prediction of the risk for progression to lost vision from advancing AMD.
The Vita Risk® is included in the Macula Risk® genetic test. The Vita Risk® is a DNA test measuring the two main genetic variations (three genetic variations in two genes) that interact with common vitamin/mineral supplements containing zinc.
- People in one genetic group have an increased risk of progression of age-related macular degeneration, to wet AMD if taking a vitamin/mineral supplement containing zinc
This test involves taking a non- invasive swab in the inside of your mouth.
Test results help me as your low vision doctor to recommend the safest and most effective eye vitamin formulation for you, based on your genetic profile.
Who is this test for ?
This test is for individuals who have been diagnosed with early and intermediate Age-related Macular Degeneration. It is also for individuals who have a family member or relatives with macular degeneration. This is especially an important test for an individual who has a parent or a sibling diagnosed with any form of macular degeneration (including dry AMD and Wet AMD).
Patients may benefit from:
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Recommendation of a personalized preventive eye supplement program
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Identifying if an eye supplement with zinc or without zinc may be beneficial
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Detection of a possible genetic trait that may put an individual at risk of developing AMD or likelihood of carrying a genetic trait that can lead to the development of wet AMD
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By knowing ones risk level, an individual has the opportunity to make better lifestyle choices which can minimize the course of progression.
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Other disease management strategies as determined by Dr. Ana Juricic
How to get your Macula Risk Test Kit ?
Step 1: Get your Macula ® Risk Test Kit Here
After confirming your order, you will receive it at your home within 1 week.
| GET IT HERE |
Step 2: You will receive an email from Dr. Ana Juricic with instructions on how to use the Macula Risk® test and where to mail the results so they can be processed.
Step 3: Dr. Ana Juricic will receive the test report within 6 to 10 weeks and will send you the results by email (and the detailed plan afterward depending on your results). The results will help guide your treatment plan.
How wonderful it is that this in-home test can support us all in identifying NEW INSIGHTS and solutions about your eye health to then help you make the best decisions for your eyecare.
DISCLAIMER: All scientific data regarding validity and accuracy of the Macula Risk® and Vita Risk® were performed on Caucasians. The reason for this is that the AREDS (Age Related Eye Disease Study) that is referenced as the gold standard study for macular degeneration supplementation had 96% of the participants self report that they were Caucasians. Patients of other ethnicities can be tested but please be aware that there is no specific data based on other ethnicities outside of the test identifying known genes that are linked to AMD.
Watch this video
Dr. Ana explains more about the Macula® Risk Testing kit and why it is important.