Introduction

Genetic variants related to age-related macular degeneration (AMD) point to the underlying biology of the disease and can become therapeutic targets. A set of these markers known to be associated with AMD, along with knowledge of other non-genetic predictors (including age, sex, education, BMI, and smoking history) can be used to calculate a score associated with an individual probability of progressing to advanced disease. These probabilities can range from very low to very high, depending on the combination of individual risk factors. This knowledge can be useful for identifying high-risk individuals for lifestyle changes related to modifiable risk factors, selecting high-risk subjects for participation in clinical trials, and prescribing appropriate therapies.

Risk score models may also enhance patient management by clinicians, including advising on preventative measures, frequency of monitoring, assisting with the differential diagnosis of AMD and its subtypes, and possible diagnosis of treatable neovascular disease at an earlier stage. The risk calculator could also potentially assist in the development of personalized medicine approaches for AMD. See references 1-8, 10, 12, and 15 on the publications page for more information.

A risk prediction model for progression of AMD Risk Calculator is provided to illustrate the utility of these predictive analytics. The Calculator aims to facilitate and support clinical decision making, both on an individual and collaborative basis. Click on the button below to go to the Risk Calculator.

Go To AMD Risk Calculator

Disclosures

Supported by Grants RO1-EY11309, RO1-EY028602 and RO1-EY022445 from the National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States; the Massachusetts Lions Eye Research Fund, Inc., New Bedford, Massachusetts, United States; unrestricted grants from Research to Prevent Blindness, Inc., New York, New York, United States; the American Macular Degeneration Foundation, Northampton, Massachusetts, United States; and the Seddon Macular Degeneration Research Fund.

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