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Speakers disagree on need for genetic testing in AMD
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NEW ORLEANS – Whether to conduct genetic testing in patients with AMD in order to tailor nutritional therapy was contested in two presentations here, with one speaker advancing the need and another standing by the American Academy of Ophthalmology genetic testing guidelines.
Carl C. Awh, MD, and colleagues this month published study findings in Ophthalmology regarding the influence of genetic risk markers on response to nutritional supplements in patients with age-related macular degeneration, suggesting that genotype-directed nutritional therapy could result in improved outcomes for patients with moderate AMD.
“The biological features of AMD genetic risk factors predict reactions of components of the AREDS formulation,” Awh said at Retina Subspecialty Day preceding the American Academy of Ophthalmology meeting.
In a subsequent presentation, Emily Chew, MD, investigator in the AREDS2 research, stood by the AAO guidelines to “avoid routine genetic testing for genetically complex disorders like age-related macular degeneration” as well as the Age-Related Eye Disease Study 2 Research Group’s study methodology and recommendations for AREDS2 supplementation in patients with AMD.
Genetic testing remains important in research, Chew said, but genetic testing of AMD for customizing AREDS supplement is not recommended.
References
doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2013.07.039
doi:10.1016/j.ophtha.2012.05.047
doi:10.1001/jama.2013.4997
Disclosures: Awh is a consultant, equity owner and has intellectual property interest in Arctic Dx. Chew has no relevant financial interest.