Age-related Macular Degeneration Blood Test

What is Age-related Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye disease that damages the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. It is caused by deterioration of the retinal pigment epithelium and accumulation of drusen deposits, leading to photoreceptor cell death. The Zinc Blood Test is the most important test for AMD management because zinc plays a crucial role in retinal function and may help slow disease progression.

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What causes age-related macular degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration is caused by deterioration of the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for sharp vision. Over time, drusen deposits accumulate under the retina, and the retinal pigment epithelium breaks down, leading to photoreceptor cell death. Risk factors include aging, genetics, smoking, high blood pressure, and nutritional deficiencies in antioxidants and minerals like zinc. The dry form progresses slowly as cells deteriorate, while the wet form involves abnormal blood vessel growth that can cause rapid vision loss.

What is the best test for age-related macular degeneration?

The Zinc Blood Test is the most important blood test for age-related macular degeneration management because zinc is essential for retinal function and photoreceptor health. Research shows that zinc supplementation may help slow AMD progression, especially in intermediate and advanced stages. While AMD is primarily diagnosed through comprehensive eye exams including optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography, measuring your zinc levels helps identify nutritional deficiencies that could impact disease progression. Low zinc status may be a risk factor for developing AMD, and testing guides appropriate supplementation strategies as part of your comprehensive eye care plan.

When should I get tested for age-related macular degeneration?

You should get tested if you notice blurred or fuzzy central vision, difficulty reading or recognizing faces, straight lines appearing wavy or distorted, dark or empty areas in your central vision, or colors appearing less vivid. Testing is especially important if you are over 50, have a family history of AMD, are a smoker, or have been diagnosed with early AMD and want to monitor nutritional factors that may influence progression. Early detection through regular eye exams and nutritional testing like zinc levels can help preserve your vision and guide treatment decisions.

What are the symptoms of age-related macular degeneration?
Age-related macular degeneration symptoms include blurred or fuzzy central vision, difficulty reading fine print or recognizing faces, straight lines appearing wavy or bent, dark or blank spots in your central vision, and colors appearing less bright or vivid. In the early stages, you may not notice any symptoms at all. As AMD progresses, central vision loss worsens while peripheral vision typically remains intact. The wet form can cause sudden, severe vision changes, while the dry form progresses gradually over years.
Who is at risk for age-related macular degeneration?
People over 50 are at highest risk for age-related macular degeneration, with risk increasing significantly after age 60. Other major risk factors include family history of AMD, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, high cholesterol, prolonged sun exposure without eye protection, and Caucasian race. Nutritional deficiencies in antioxidants like vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, and minerals like zinc also increase risk. Women may have slightly higher risk than men, and people with light-colored eyes may be more susceptible.
What happens if age-related macular degeneration is left untreated?
If age-related macular degeneration is left untreated, progressive and irreversible central vision loss occurs, making everyday activities like reading, driving, recognizing faces, and watching television increasingly difficult or impossible. Advanced AMD can lead to legal blindness, though complete vision loss is rare since peripheral vision typically remains intact. The wet form can progress rapidly, causing severe vision loss within weeks to months if not treated promptly with anti-VEGF injections. Untreated AMD significantly impacts quality of life, independence, and increases fall risk and depression rates.
Can age-related macular degeneration be diagnosed with a blood test?
Age-related macular degeneration cannot be diagnosed with a blood test alone. AMD is diagnosed through comprehensive eye examinations including dilated fundus exam, optical coherence tomography (OCT), fluorescein angiography, and Amsler grid testing. However, blood tests like the Zinc Test play a valuable supporting role by assessing nutritional factors that influence disease progression. Testing zinc levels helps identify deficiencies that may worsen AMD and guides supplementation strategies, which research shows may help slow progression in intermediate and advanced stages.
How is age-related macular degeneration treated?
Age-related macular degeneration treatment depends on the type and stage. For dry AMD, high-dose antioxidant vitamins and minerals (AREDS2 formula containing vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper) may slow progression in intermediate and advanced stages. Wet AMD is treated with anti-VEGF injections like ranibizumab, aflibercept, or bevacizumab administered directly into the eye every 4-12 weeks to stop abnormal blood vessel growth. Photodynamic therapy and laser treatment are less common alternatives. Low vision aids, lifestyle modifications, and smoking cessation are important for all AMD patients.
How can I prevent age-related macular degeneration?
You can reduce your risk of age-related macular degeneration by not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and controlling blood pressure and cholesterol. Eat a diet rich in leafy green vegetables, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and colorful fruits and vegetables containing antioxidants. Protect your eyes from UV light with sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat. Get regular comprehensive eye exams starting at age 40, and more frequently after age 50. Consider nutritional supplements if recommended by your eye doctor, especially if you have early AMD or family history.
What natural remedies help with age-related macular degeneration?
Natural approaches that may help with age-related macular degeneration include eating foods rich in lutein and zeaxanthin like kale, spinach, and collard greens, consuming omega-3 fatty acids from salmon, sardines, and flaxseed, and eating antioxidant-rich berries and colorful vegetables. Zinc-rich foods like oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and chickpeas support retinal health. The AREDS2 supplement formula containing vitamins C and E, lutein, zeaxanthin, zinc, and copper has research-backed benefits for slowing progression. Use an Amsler grid daily to monitor vision changes, and maintain healthy lifestyle habits including exercise and stress management.
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How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

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Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
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We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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