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Treacy Adamo, OD, MS, FAAO, owner and medical director of Hinsdale Advanced Eye Care, uses the Visible Genomics testing system for patients at high risk for developing age-related macular degeneration.

CHICAGO—Visible Genomics, a Chicago-area genetics testing company has announced the launch of a new non-invasive genetic eye test that determines a patient’s likelihood of contracting age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that causes blindness. While it’s estimated that up to 70 percent of AMD cases are due to genetics, its prevalence is increasing with the aging population which puts an additional 20 million people with a family history of the disease at risk. The new Visible Genomics test is recommended for people who have a family history of the disease, or those showing signs of early or intermediate AMD, which are the highest group risks for progressing to advanced stages of AMD with vision loss.

Visible Genomics created the genetic assessment test specifically for AMD to help doctors and their patients take preventative and proactive care of their vision. The clinically-validated saliva-based test combines a person’s genetic status, ocular findings, and demographic and lifestyle characteristics to deliver a comprehensive and clinically actionable risk assessment. This assessment determines the AMD patient’s progression risk of developing advanced AMD, and predicts the lifetime risk for those with a family member with AMD.

“Age-related macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in the U.S., yet there’s a lack of accessible and reliable genetic risk testing options that can help with proper diagnosis and prognosis,” stated Visible Genomics CEO and founder, Frank Adamo. He added, “Our health care system is reactive instead of proactive and preventative. With use of the Visible Genomics testing system, we can now give doctors and their patients the right tools to help prevent vision loss.”

Barry Eiden, OD, FAAO, president and medical director of North Suburban Vision Consultants in Deerfield, Ill., has been using the Visible Genomics testing system for his patients. “The results provided with earlier intervention, lead to a better prognosis and outcome. We’re now able to create a personalized patient management plan, and take the proper steps by delaying disease onset or slowing disease progression,” said Eiden.

Traditionally, patients who were at risk of developing AMD or progressing to advanced stages of AMD have had no advance awareness of its probability, and were diagnosed only after severe symptoms had surfaced. “Our goal is to change the way we treat AMD so that more and more people can maintain healthy vision. The earlier we treat AMD, the better the outcome,” said Adamo.

Click here to watch an AMD Protocol Webinar with Dr. Treacy Adamo, owner and medical director of Hinsdale Advanced Eye Care.