Getting routine eye exams is a vital part of staying healthy. Exams can catch eye health conditions early before they worsen. Diseases like macular degeneration will damage your vision if left untreated. This disease can be detected during an eye exam, but we can also see if you are at risk using the Arctic Macular Risk Test. At Sylvan Eye Assoc. in Modesto, CA, our optometry team tests for and diagnoses macular degeneration.
What Is Macular Degeneration?
Macular degeneration is a disease that causes damage to the portion of the retina called the macula. Known as age-related macular degeneration or AMD, it affects the vision in the center of your field of vision but does not affect peripheral vision. It is a common disease and is responsible for more cases of blindness in persons over 50 years of age than any other disease. AMD can be caused by both genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
How the Arctic Macular Risk Test Works
The Arctic is a company that produces a genetic test for macular degeneration risk. Genetic testing can help our eye doctor to predict your likelihood of developing the disease and also how quickly it will progress. By being forewarned, we can take steps to help mitigate some of the symptoms. There is no cure for AMD, but with the proper care, some of the worst effects can be avoided.
If you have a family history of AMD, you should get the Arctic Macular Risk Test. We will swab the inside of your cheek in our office and send it to Arctic for testing. The results of the genetic test will help us to design a plan to prepare you for what the future may bring.
Visit Our Eye Doctor in Modesto, CA for the Arctic Macular Risk Test
If you may be at risk for macular degeneration, it is important to get tested. At Sylvan Eye Assoc. in Modesto, CA, our eye doctor provides eye exams and the Arctic Macular Risk Test to see if you have a higher risk for macular degeneration. If so, we can take steps to prevent the condition from worsening. Call us today to schedule an appointment.