This test found one or more variants associated with an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration.

Variants

No. of increased risk copies

Increased risk for ARMD

View All Variants

1 2.7 times over general population

• rs1061170
  • The rs1061170 variant is a variant in 9th exon (coding region) of the CFH gene on chromosome 1. How variants in CFH can lead to ARMD is not well-understood. However, studies have shown that the CFH protein decreases inflammation, and the presence of a variant in the CFH gene may lead to more inflammation. Individuals affected with ARMD have signs of inflammation in the eyes. Therefore, it is plausible that variants causing decreased CFH protein, thus more inflammation, can increase the risk of developing ARMD.
• rs10490924
  • The rs10490924 variant is a variant in an exon (coding region) of the ARMS2 gene on chromosome 10. The specific function of the ARMS2 gene is not well-understood; however, studies have shown that the ARMS2 protein helps remove debris from the retina in the eye. Debris building up in the retina over time may enhance the development of drusen, a key feature in ARMD.

What does increased risk mean?

The increased risks associated with having one or two copies of the ARMD variants we test for don't tell the whole story. ARMD is considered a "complex" disease because both genetic and non-genetic factors play a role in its development.

For example, having one rs10490924 variant gives a 2.7 times increased risk of ARMD over the general population risk. Having two copies of the variant gives an 8.2 times increased risk. Given age and other factors, let's say the risk of ARMD for someone who is 60 years old is 1 percent (1 in 100). If one variant is present in this person, the risk increases to 2.7 percent (1 in 37). If two variants are present, the risk increases to 8.2 percent (around 1 in 12).

People with these ARMD variants have an increased risk of age-related macular degeneration. Lifestyle factors and family history play an important role in your risk of ARMD. See how. Some factors that increase your risk of ARMD you can't change, such as genetic factors. Other risk factors are things you can change, including your diet, level of exercise and smoking habits.

rs1061170:

• Population with two copies of the variant:
• East Asian: 0.25 percent (1 in 400)
• European: 13 percent
• African: 13 percent
• American Admixed: 5 percent
• South Asian: 8 percent

rs10490924:

• Population with one copy of the variant:
• East Asian: 40 percent
• European: 19 percent
• African: 25 percent
• Ad Mixed American: 25 percent
• South Asian: 34 percent

rs10490924:

• Population with two copies of the variant:
• East Asian: 16 percent
• European: 4 percent
• African: 6 percent
• Ad Mixed American: 6 percent
• South Asian: 12 percent

Here's what you can do

If you are concerned about your risk of ARMD, talk to your health care provider about modifiable risk factors.

Learn more

About age-related macular degeneration About age-related macular degeneration testing

Did you know?

Over 1.75 million people in the United States have age-related macular degeneration. As the U.S. population ages, that's expected to climb to over 3 million by 2020.