Risk factors for Age-related Macular Degeneration: UK Twin Study

Risk factors for Age-related Macular Degeneration: UK Twin Study

Seminar | Registration opens 5/12/2025 9:00 AM CDT

1200 Market Street (on UTMB Campus) Galveston, TX 77555-0972 United States
DOLPHIN
7/17/2025 (one day)
11:00 AM-12:30 PM CDT on Th

Risk factors for Age-related Macular Degeneration: UK Twin Study

Seminar | Registration opens 5/12/2025 9:00 AM CDT

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is typically diagnosed at ages 55 and older as the prevalence increases with age. Smoking is a well-known risk factor, and antioxidant supplements can slow the progression of intermediate AMD. In addition, macular pigment distribution profile is an established risk factor for AMD, and it is heritable and cannot be easily modified by diet. The UK twin study has large numbers of identical and non-identical twins who have been followed for decades and can provide new insights. The goal of the study is to obtain an AMD risk profile that can be easily determined at age 20. If behavior can be modified at age 20 instead of age 60, AMD could potentially be postponed beyond our lifespan.