Eye Centers of Florida introduces VitaRisk™ DNA test for advanced Age-related Macular Degeneration

FORT MYERS, Fla. - Aug. 28, 2013 - PRLog -- David C. Brown, M.D., F.A.C.S., founder and Medical Director of Eye Centers of Florida is pleased to announce the availability of Vita Risk™, a revolutionary new DNA test that supports the genotype-directed selection of eye vitamin formulations to provide maximum protection from vision loss from advanced Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). VitaRisk™ is so new to worldwide markets that it is only available in a few practices throughout the United States. Eye Centers of Florida’s 12 Southwest Florida offices are the first to offer this technology in Florida.

“Because one in ten people may eventually lose vision from AMD, this is another significant new diagnostic tool for early detection, diagnosis and treatment that coupled with proper vitamin supplementation and lifestyle changes will help us preserve and prolong eyesight,” said Dr. Claudio A. Ferreira. “Early detection and care is so important in AMD. This simple cheek swab test will identify certain inherited genes in patients already diagnosed with AMD that makes them more likely to experience eventual vision loss, as well as which preventative eye vitamin nutrients each patient needs for optimum eye health.”

Background: The US National Eye Institute has performed two long-term, age-related eye disease studies (AREDS and AREDS2) that have demonstrated that specific eye vitamin formulations with antioxidants plus zinc protect a significant portion of patients from developing advanced AMD with vision loss. Commonly consumed zinc supplements may even be harmful in high doses if taken routinely.

Eye Centers of Florida is recommending the VitaRisk™ DNA test for any patient taking an eye vitamin, including those with a diagnosis of AMD and their closely related family members who may also share the same risk factors. The simple cheek swab DNA test will identify conclusively the AMD genes and what vitamin formulation patients need in their individual eye care regimen.

About Eye Centers of  Florida

David C. Brown, M.D., F.A.C.S. founded Eye Centers of Florida, Southwest Florida’s most respected and experienced ophthalmology vision practice in 1971. Claudio A. Ferreira, M.D. is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist and a Retinal Surgeon Specialist at Eye Centers of Florida. Eye Centers of Florida offers a broad array of vision care services for the treatment of eye conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. For more information about VitaRisk™, visit www.ecof.com, call (239) 939-3456, or stop by any of their 12 south Florida locations in Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Clewiston, Immokalee, LaBelle, Lehigh Acres, Naples, and Port Charlotte.