New Test To Avert Blindness In Elderly

Scientists have developed a new test which could prevent the most common form of blindness in the elderly, Age-related Macular Degeneration. The new test identifies people who are genetically predisposed to AMD, paving the way for early treatment that can prevent blindness.

The research team that conducted the test was led by Professor John Yates from the University's Department of Medical Genetics. The new test has been licensed by Cambridge Enterprise, Cambridge University's commercialization arm, and ArcticDX, a Canadian molecular diagnostic company.

ArcticDX Inc has secured license for a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the complement C3 gene that has been shown to be a predictive indicator for the genetic diagnosis of AMD. By virtue of this license, ArcticDX will be empowered to incorporate this SNP into a diagnostic test being developed to further enhance its accuracy.

Speaking about the results of the test, Professor Yates said, “We are delighted that six years of Medical Research Council-sponsored research has produced results that increase our understanding of this devastating disease and should lead to better treatments and outcomes for patients.”

Greg Hines, of ArcticDX, said, “This will be the first time that clinicians will be able to diagnose the condition before symptoms arise. This provides the opportunity for targeted patient education and routine eye examinations that offer early detection and disease management.”

Dr Maher Khaled of Cambridge Enterprise commented, “The license to ArcticDX represents a continuing interest in finding a solution to a medical condition that affects 1 in 15 people over the age of 75 and with an aging population is a major public health problem.”

“We look forward to the first test for age-related macular degeneration emerging from ArcticDX,” Barbara McLaughlan, Campaigns Manager at Royal National Institute of Blind People, said about the breakthrough.

AMD, which affects 250,000 people in the U.K., damages the central part of the retina and causes blindness in one out of every 10 patients who have it. It has been found to be the leading cause of blindness in people aged over 50 in the developed world.

McLaughlan added, “AMD is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK and so any new test which can help spot the disease early is to be welcomed. We would urge people to have eye tests every two years in order to help minimize preventable sight loss.”

AMD progressively hampers vision of fine details, finally causing total blindness in the patient. As the name suggests, the risk of contracting the disease increases with advancing age.