Another bad SNP—this one associated with a medical condition—is rs3793784, which is connected to age-related macular degeneration (ARMD). Macular degeneration is the loss of central vision caused by damage to and degeneration of the macula on the retina, and can be caused by aging. rs3793784 has been linked to age-related macular degeneration both on its own and in conjunction with another SNP. Individually, both heterozygotes and homozygotes have an increased risk of developing ARMD, with a ratio of 1.51 for the C/G genotype, and 1.60 for the G/G genotype. This individual has the C/G genotype, which puts them at a x1.5 increased risk of developing ARMD. However, there are many factors that can cause ARMD besides genetics, many of which are controllable. For example, smoking, being overweight, and high blood pressure, as well as long-term exposure to the sun without eye protection can all contribute to an increased risk of developing ARMD. If the individual knows they have a higher than average risk of developing ARMD, they can take steps to mitigate some of these known factors.
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