AMD study finds potential for earlier diagnosis

A new study led by researchers at the University of Southampton has shown that the signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can set in earlier than previously thought.

Records of over 30,000 patients who had retinal scans and genetic data stored in the UK Biobank were analysed by comparing retinal measurements of those with risk factors to those without.

Researchers found that participants with healthy eyes and no history of AMD had thinner retinas if they carried the genes that put them at risk.

Andrew Lotery, study lead, said: ‘These results help us understand the very early stages of the disease, before it is clinically apparent. If we can intervene at an earlier stage, we are more likely to be able to preserve sight.’