Researchers identify potential biomarkers of age-related macular degeneration
"With metabolomics, we can identify blood profiles associated with AMD and its severity through laboratory testing," said co-senior author Joan W. Miller, M.D., Chief of Ophthalmology at Mass. Eye and Ear and Massachusetts General Hospital, and Chair of Ophthalmology and the David Glendenning Cogan Professor of Ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School. "Because the signs and symptoms of early stage AMD are very subtle, with visual symptoms only becoming apparent at more advanced stages of the disease, identification of biomarkers in human blood plasma may allow us to better understand the early to intermediate stages of AMD so we may intervene sooner, and ultimately provide better care." AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over 50 in developed countries, and its prevalence is expected to increase along with the global aging of the population. While AMD has recognized genetic and lifestyle risk factors, including diet and smoking status, the field curr...