Macular degeneration or AMD may
have an even stronger family predisposition among Irish family members
according to a report cited by Birmingham Alabama
Ophthalmologist Marc Michelson, M.D. “We certainly are aware of the strong
familial predisposition toward an increased risk of macular degeneration. Now,
we are aware of additional research showing that
Irish people are more genetically predisposed to develop age-related macular degeneration
(AMD) than other Caucasian populations,” relayed Dr. Michelson.
The study conducted by the Department of Genetics
at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland and the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear
Hospital Research Foundation, evaluated blood samples from more than 200
patients with AMD and compared them with samples from participants without the
disease to identify genetic risk factors. The study shows that Irish people are
at an elevated risk of developing AMD. It is also known that smokers are four
times more likely to suffer from the disease.
If you
are over 50 years old or even earlier if you have a family history of AMD or
are of Irish descent you should please schedule
an appointment by calling Alabama
Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visit Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or
facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.
Michelson Laser Vision, 327
Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35243 and Alabama Eye & Cataract
Center, 1201 11th Avenue S, Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205 are leading eye care centers in
Birmingham.
