Risk factors

We do not know what causes AMD. Several factors have been identified that appear to increase the risk. Some are controllable and measures can be taken to help prevent or delay AMD.

Smoking

  • Research has demonstrated that AMD is two to three times as frequent among tobacco smokers, and the risk is dose dependent. In other words, the more you smoke, the greater the risk and the faster the progression of the disease. Saving your sight is another good reason to quit smoking.

Nutrition

  • A high-fat, high-cholesterol diet can lead to fatty plaque deposits in the macular vessels, which can hamper blood flow and increase the risk of AMD. A diet low in fat promotes good eye health.
  • Several research studies have also suggested that certain vitamins and nutrients may actually reduce vision loss. Diets rich in antioxidant vitamins C and E; the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene; and the mineral zinc may help prevent or delay AMD progression.

Hypertension

  • Patients with dry AMD on anti-hypertensive drug therapy coupled with high serum cholesterol levels and low serum carotenoid are at a greater risk for developing wet AMD.

Sun exposure

  • Excessive exposure of your eyes to sunlight, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, is considered to be a risk factor for AMD. Sunglasses and hats should be worn as protection.

Others risk factors are outside our control:

Photograph of Mario Petrucci.

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Age

  • The incidence of AMD increases with age. The U.S. National Eye Institute (NEI) estimates that while in their 50s, people have a 2% chance of getting AMD. This risk increases to nearly 30% in those over age 75.

Genetics

  • A recent study identified a hereditary link, and determined that first-degree relatives of patients with wet AMD may have three times the risk of developing the disorder. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that patients who have blood relatives with AMD have their eyes checked every two years. In addition, if you have been diagnosed with AMD in one eye, the possibility of developing it in the second eye is greater.

Gender

  • Postmenopausal women who do not undergo estrogen therapy are at a greater risk of developing AMD.
  • In general, the incidence of AMD is most prevalent in white women over age 60.

Light skin or eye color

  • AMD occurs more frequently in Caucasians than other races. AMD is also more prevalent with blue-eyed people.

Severe Farsightedness

  • While many people become farsighted as they age, severe farsightedness is uncommon and related to an extreme distortion of the shape of the eye possibly affecting the retina.
  • Because many factors cannot be controlled, regular eye examinations are essential for early detection to ensure the best success for treatment and rehabilitation.