Inflammation Marker Indicates Macular Degeneration Risk

A blood test that marks inflammation, called CRP (c-reactive proteins) appears to be a useful indicator of your risk of Age Related MacularDegeneration (AMD). Researchers from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston reporting in JAMA Ophthalmology that the risk of macular degeneration (AMD) is directly correlated with the findings of the CRP (c-reactive proteins) test in men and women. The study findings across the groups showed that there was a significantly increased risk of AMD for those patients with high versus low CRP levels and those with high CRP levels also had a significantly increased risk of neovascular or Wet AMD which is responsible for instances of catastrophic vision loss.

The researchers concluded that elevated levels of CRP predict greater future risk of AMD. It is believed that this information might shed light on underlying mechanisms and could be of clinical help in the identification of persons at high risk of AMD who may benefit from increased adherence to lifestyle recommendations, eye examination schedules and therapeutic protocols.

If you or someone you know has questions about inflammation markers such as CRP and the risk of Age Related MacularDegeneration (AMD) please feel free to call Seeta Eye Centers and schedule an eye examination by calling 845-454-1025, visiting Seeta Eye Centers or facebook.com/seetaeyecenters.

Seeta Eye Centers is conveniently located at 23 Davis Avenue, Poughkeepsie, New York 12603, Cecilwood Health Center, 969 Main Street, Fishkill, New York 12524 and 664 Stoneleigh Avenue, Suite 100, Carmel, New York 10512 for patients from Westchester County, Rockland County and throughout the Hudson Valley, Dutchess County and Orange County.