Macular degeneration is a common cause of blindness in older adults. Studies have suggested that smoking, obesity, alcohol use, and diet may be risk factors. Recent studies have suggested a possible link with two genes.
Now a large study has confirmed a genetic predisposition to macular degeneration due to these two genes. Carrying one susceptible copy of one of the genes raises the risk by 3-8 fold; carrying two susceptible copies of both genes raises the risk 50-fold.
The fascinating finding is that the combination of carrying these genes and either smoking or obesity raised the risk even further. The study demonstrates the combination of genetic susceptibility and modifiable risk factors. This will become more and more commonplace, with lifestyle choices, medications, and a variety of other factors shown to interact with specific genes. People will be able to make choices based on their genetic risk. Doctors will tailor treatments based on genetic factors. Genomic medicine will be here faster than we think.
