The risk of age-related macular degeneration increases after you’re 55 years old, but genetics, other conditions, and environmental risk factors, like smoking, can also play a role.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the breakdown of your macula, the part of your retina responsible for your central vision. Age-related changes to your eye cause AMD.

AMD can happen to anybody, but some people have a higher risk.

A family history of AMD seems to make you more prone to developing it. Additionally, some lifestyle habits like smoking may speed up retinal damage.

This article examines the known risk factors for AMD and ways you can minimize your risk.

A family history of AMD raises your risk of developing it, too, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you will definitely develop it. Researchers are still investigating the role of genetics in AMD development and progression.

Most of the research on the hereditability of AMD has focused on European populations, but researchers have identified at least 51 areas on chromosomes associated with AMD.

In a 2005 study, experts estimated that genetics contribute to 46% to 71% of AMD development, with the remaining coming from environmental factors, such as lifestyle habits.

Your risk of developing AMD is highest if you’re over 55 years old and continues to rise with age. It’s the leading cause of severe vision loss in people over age 65.

Development of AMD is rare before 50 years old.

Your retina is particularly vulnerable to damaging chemicals inside smoked tobacco products. Research has consistently shown smoking to be a risk factor for AMD and other eye conditions such as cataracts.

Experts consider smoking the most significant modifiable risk factor for preventing AMD.

People who smoke cigarettes are up to four times more likely to develop AMD than people who don’t smoke. Research suggests that smokers have a higher risk of developing both early and late AMD. (“Early” and “late” refer to the stage of AMD and not when symptoms begin.)

Quitting smoking if you currently smoke can potentially lower your risk and severity of AMD.

The risk of high blood pressure and AMD both increase with age. Experts think high blood pressure could increase the risk of AMD by damaging the blood vessels that supply your retina.

Some medications used to treat high blood pressure may also increase the risk of a severe form of AMD called wet AMD, although not all studies have found a link. These medications include:

Some studies link a body mass index (BMI) over 30 with an increased risk of developing AMD. Doctors consider people with a BMI over 30 to have obesity, while those with a BMI between 25 and 30 have overweight.

People with obesity often have higher amounts of pro-inflammatory molecules circulating through their bloodstream, which may partially explain the link.

Some studies haven’t found a link between body weight and AMD.

Other risk factors with some evidence connecting them to a higher risk of AMD include:

  • Diabetes: Some studies have found a potential link between diabetes and AMD, but most studies show no connection.
  • Sex assigned at birth: Some studies have found higher rates of progression of AMD in females, while some studies have found no difference between sexes.
  • Race: Some studies show that people of African ancestry may have a lower risk of AMD, while people of European descent may have the highest risk.
  • Sunlight exposure: There may be a link between increased sunlight exposure and AMD. However, it’s difficult to quantify sunlight exposure, so many studies haven’t found a connection.
  • Hyperthyroidism: There may be a connection between high thyroid levels and higher rates of late AMD.
  • Chronic kidney disease: Research on whether chronic kidney disease has links to AMD is mixed.
  • Diet: Some dietary factors may also contribute to AMD, such as diets high in fat and low in:

While some older studies suggested that cataract surgery may increase the risk of late AMD, recent research suggests there’s no link. However, cataracts and AMD may share similar risk factors.

It’s a good idea to contact a doctor whenever you notice changes in your vision. AMD generally causes gradual central vision loss and symptoms such as:

  • blurriness
  • distortion
  • poor contrast
  • dark spots or blind spots

What is the main cause of age-related macular degeneration?

AMD is caused by the buildup of molecules made up of fats and proteins called drusen, which naturally occur with age.

What percentage of people with macular degeneration go blind?

AMD is responsible for about 8.7% of blindness worldwide. Still, most people with AMD maintain good vision throughout their lives. AMD only causes central vision loss.

Can you reverse AMD?

Scientists don’t yet know if there’s a way to reverse AMD. Researchers are investigating stem cell therapy as a potential technique to reverse or slow vision loss.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is very common. Although it can develop in anybody, certain factors may put you at a higher risk, such as smoking or a family history of AMD.

Potential ways to minimize your risk of AMD include:

  • avoiding or quitting smoking
  • eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly
  • keeping your body weight in a healthy range
  • wearing eye protection when out in the sun