Investigating Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Completed

Conditions studied: Age-Related Macular Degeneration

In brief

Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) affects older Americans and can lead to irreversible blindness. Although the cause if ARMD is unclear, it appears to be a condition that is affected by both genetic and environmental influences. The purpose of this study is to examine an Amish community to investigate genetic factors in the development of ARMD. Study participants will be 1,000 members, ages 50 and older, of the Old Order Amish community in Lancaster and Franklin counties in Pennsylvania. Each will undergo a 30-minute dilated eye exam during which an ophthalmologist or optometrist will take digital images of the macula and optic disc. Depending on the results of their eye exam, participants may be asked to give a blood sample as well. They will also complete a brief questionnaire about personal exposure related to occupation, sunlight and smoking.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT00342251

Run by

National Eye Institute (NEI)

People needed

3000

Starts

2003-06-20

Expected to finish

2012-04-04

Last updated by the study team

2017-07-02

Who can join

Age: 50 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may not qualify if…

• Individuals who decline participation, who are unwilling to sign the Consent Form, and who are not recognized by the Amish as being Amish will be excluded.
• There are no clinical inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Where it is running

• University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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