February 15, 2018 - Macular Degeneration
Should you get genetically tested if you have macular degeneration?
So I want to start with a famous study done in 2001 called Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS). Researchers found without a doubt that if you supplement with vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, beta-carotene, and copper, you had a lower risk of developing macular degeneration.
In 2006 there was a study called AREDS2 done by the National Eye Institute and they had similar findings, except they substituted lutein and zeaxanthin for beta-carotene because they found that patients who smoked and supplemented with beta-carotene had a higher risk of developing lung cancer.
Genetic Testing
There are four primary genes that can express to macular degeneration.
The first two – CFH and CTG2 – researchers found that if you have these genes at high levels and you take supplements, it can make macular degeneration worse. If you have the genes AMRS2 or CTG3, supplementation with certain nutrients could improve macular degeneration.
In terms of other studies that refuted these findings, there was a study done by the National Eye Institue which reported that it did not matter what your gene expression is and that supplements could help you reverse macular degeneration.
The Journal of Ophthalmology also reported in a study that gene expression did not matter – supplementation can have a positive effect on macular degeneration.
If your CFH is high and you don’t want to supplement, my recommendation would be to eat a gluten-free, sugar-free, dairy-free diet. I would also focus on supporting the microbiome in the body and gut. There was an animal study done that found animals who were high in CFG, that when they reduce the inflammation and improve the microbiome in the gut, they were able to improve retinal health.
Macular degeneration is a complicated disease. Yes, there is a genetic influence, but we also have a very strong environmental influence. In other videos, I’ve discussed the risk factors of macular degeneration – obesity, inflammation, stress, trauma, toxicities, diabetes, hypertension, pharmaceutical and over-the-counter drugs. Whether or not you have these high gene markers, retinal health can be improved by improving the oxygenation and hydration in the microcapillaries and a lower risk of developing any kind of retinopathy – including macular degeneration. I would also recommend doing eye exercises – they are amazing for improving circulation and lymph flow, reducing visual stress, and supporting retinal health.