Predicting disease progression in age-related macular degeneration using genetic, retinal pathology biomarkers, demographic and environmental factors

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is prevalent, costly, and accounts for 90% of new cases of legal blindness in Canada. As the Canadian population ages, the number of people living with AMD is set to increase exponentially. AMD is associated with many disabling outcomes such as a decrease in quality of life, an increased risk of injury due to falls, social isolation, and mental illness. Unfortunately, at the current time, treatment options for AMD remain limited because the etiology and pathogenesis of AMD are not entirely understood. The objectives of this study are 1)To determine which factors (i.e. genetic, demographic, lifestyle, and ocular) are associated with AMD progression in Canadians ages 55 and older, and 2) to develop a risk tool to assess AMD progression. The results from this study will potentially provide essential data to allow eye care professionals more adequately prepare for the needs of the aging population.