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Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration

© 2025 American Macular Degeneration Foundation

While the causes of age-related macular degeneration are complex, several of the risk factors are controllable. Smoking, being overweight overall and around the abdomen, and having unchecked cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure all increase a person’s risk for AMD. Long-term exposure to the sun without eye protection is, similarly, a risk factor.

Some risk factors in AMD are not under anyone’s control. Age is one of those factors; the older a person is, the more likely he or she is to have Age-related Macular Degeneration. Genetics — that is, a family history of macular degeneration — is universally believed to be a factor as well. Other pieces to the risk puzzle include: light-colored irises (irides); far-sightedness; high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation in the body; and being female. Females are more susceptible to AMD than males are, not because they are more genetically prone to develop AMD, but because they live longer.

Medication cautions
Vision can be impaired by a host of medications.

Smoking
Quitting smoking is the one prevention method known to reduce the risk of developing AMD.

Junk food
Fat-filled snack foods may heighten the risk of developing AMD. 

Ultra-violet and blue light
Ultra-violet and blue light can lead to cataracts and other eye diseases such as AMD.