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Age-Related Macular Degeneration - What Increases Your Risk
SYMPTOMS & TREATMENTS
- Topic Overview
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Health Tools
- Cause
- Symptoms
- What Happens
- What Increases Your Risk
- When To Call a Doctor
- Exams and Tests
- Treatment Overview
- Prevention
- Home Treatment
- Medications
- Surgery
- Other Treatment
- Other Places To Get Help
- Related Information
- References
- Credits
The major risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) include:
- Older age. Age is the biggest risk factor for developing AMD. Less than 10% of people ages 43 to 54 have AMD. After age 75, more than 30% of people may have some form of it.2
- A family history of the disease. You are much more likely to get AMD if a close relative has it.
- Race. Whites appear to have a higher risk than blacks or Hispanics.
- Smoking. People who smoke are about twice as likely to develop AMD than nonsmokers. The risk appears to be higher for people who have been heavy smokers or who have smoked for a long time.2
- One eye with wet AMD. Nearly half of people with wet AMD in one eye get wet AMD in the other eye within 5 years.1
Other risk factors for developing AMD may include:2
- Deposits at the back of the eye called drusen. Eyes with large, soft drusen deposits are at a greater risk for developing abnormal blood vessels and wet AMD.
- A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Low dietary intake of carotenoids, antioxidant vitamins, and zinc.
Genes may play an important role in your risk for AMD. Researchers have found certain genes that seem to be linked to AMD.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: September 8, 2009 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Christopher J. Rudnisky - Ophthalmology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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