Don’t be in the dark about AMD
Get tested today!
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of adult vision loss in the US.
The AdaptDx is a simple test that detects the earliest signs of this common disease.
Find out more inside and ask u about testing for AMD.
Who should be tested for AMD?
One of the earliest symptoms of A poor or failing night vision. There are also several risk factors for AMD:
- Age 50 or older
- Family history of AMD
- Being white and/or female
- Smoker or past smoker
- Being overweight
- Heart disease, high blood pressure or high cholesterol
If your doctor notices any signs of AMD or thinks you may be at increased risk, AdaptDx testing will likely be advised so that the disease can be caught early and monitored closely to avoid permanent vision loss.
How the test works
The cells in your eyes (known as rods) that help you see in the dark are the first part of the eye affected by AMD, Because of this, the time it takes your vision to adapt from bright light to darkness is an early indication of AMD. The AdaptDx tests this quickly and easily. It is made in the USA by MacuLogix, Inc. and is cleared for clinical use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The AdaptDx test measures the number of minutes it takes your vision to adjust to darkness. This number is your RI, or rod intercept. Your RI provides us with critical information to help determine your AMD status.
Understanding your results
If your RI is greater than 6.5, it is an early warning sign of AMD. As a result, your doctor may ask to see you more frequently to monitor your RI and look for changes in the structure of your eye. This also allows your doctor to develop a treatment plan to protect your vision.
How testing helps preserve vision
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with AMD, your doctor may make the following recommendations to protect your vision:
- Prescribe smoking cessation programs
- Prescribe nutritional supplementation
- Discuss lifestyle modifications with respect to diet and exercise
- Discuss the reduction of weight, blood pressure and cholesterol
- Prescribe blue light protection
- Prescribe UVA and UVB sunglasses protection for outdoors
- Actively monitor your condition and possibly refer you to a retina specialist for further evaluation
The AdaptDx test helps your doctor detect AMD in its earliest stages, long before you may notice any changes in your vision. If you are diagnosed with AMD, scheduled monitoring with the AdaptDx provides the best chance to manage the condition and preserve your vision.
About age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD is a progressive disease that causes a part of your retina called the macula to slowly deteriorate as you get older. The macula is responsible for your central vision, which allows you to do things like read, watch TV, recognize faces, and drive.
Without early detection and management, a majority of AMD patients experience substantial, permanent vision loss before treatment begins. As a result, AMD is the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 50.
Currently, there is no cure for AMD. However, progression of the disease can be slowed with early detection and proactive disease management, including lifestyle changes, protective eyewear, and nutritional supplements. Late-stage AMD can often be treated with injections.