Genetic Risk Factors of Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Host: Roy Levit, MD

Guest: Albert O. Edwards, MD, PhD

Geneticists think of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) as a complex trait in which multiple environmental and epidemiological risks combine to cause the disease. Dr. Albert O. Edwards is a consultant and an opthalmologist at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, discusses with host Dr. Levitt the genetic approach for identifying biological pathways involved in the disease, and explains how to interpret the genetic studies. Dr. Edwards also outlines the importance of lifestyle choices, such as exercise, low-fat diet and other heart-healthy behaviors, to reduce their risk of developing AMD regardless of one's knowledge of the genetic risk. Tune in to hear Dr. Edwards clarify the relationship between genetics and AMD.