Airedale Opticians is participating in the USA-led genetic screening study Telescope, aimed at advancing research into the condition dry macular degeneration – which affects the middle part of people’s vision. Information featured in the Keighley News.

Previously a person who had macular degeneration and was diagnosed with geographic atrophy in either eye was able to take part in the study – provided they hadn’t had any previous treatment for wet macular degeneration in either eye. Unfortunately this criteria excluded a large number of patients.

However an update to the criteria now allows patients who have had wet macular degeneration in one eye previously and received treatment, usually eye injections, to take part – provided the patient has not had any injections for the last six months. This should hopefully enable many more people to take part.

TELESCOPE is a community-based genetic screening study which is determined through a process called “genotyping” using saliva samples provided by the potential participants.

A person’s DNA is evaluated using biological tests to determine differences in their genetic makeup, when compared to other individuals. A certain genetic makeup might indicate predisposition to a disease like dry AMD.