7 New Genes Linked to Macular Degeneration Identified

Researchers had previously identified 12 genes that are linked to macular degeneration and have now identified 7 more that are linked with the eye disease. The study was published on Nature Genetics online on March 3rd. The study involved 17,100 people of both European and Asian ancestry who had severe forms of AMD and 60,000 people who did not have AMD. The biggest risk factor for the disease is still age with 15 percent of Caucasian women aged 80 and over having the disease. Genetics and other environmental factors also play a role in the development of the disease. This new finding provides researchers with a greater understanding of the molecular basis of age-related macular degeneration, which will in turn help scientists to determine causes of the disease and develop new treatments and therapies.*