Although age is the top risk factor for age-related macular degeneration, research shows that genetics play a big part in your risk of developing this eye condition.

Our eyes go through several age-related changes over the course of our lives. One such change that some older adults experience is called age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

AMD is caused by the wearing down of the macula, a small part of the retina. It leads to a progressive loss of central vision. Central vision enables us to clearly see colors, details, and shapes. Many people with AMD will eventually be considered legally blind.

Research suggests both genetic and environmental factors may contribute to a person developing AMD, but age appears to be the major component.

Researchers believe there is a strong genetic linkTrusted Source to AMD, and different genes contribute to how this eye disorder develops.

Conducting genome-wide association studies (GWAS)Trusted Source is one of the best ways to explore the genetic causes and risk factors of health conditions.

These studies allow researchers to collect enormous amounts of DNA samples and search for connections. They might investigate specific DNA markers for a disease or trait, or look for common markers among multiple conditions to establish risk factors.

GWAS has allowed scientists to identify certain gene variants linked to a higher risk of developing AMD.

A 2021 studyTrusted Source using GWAS identified genetic variant combinations that affected the expression of 26 genes associated with AMD.

The American Association of Ophthalmology (AAO) summarizes that research suggests variations in two genes are particularly associated with the development and advancement of AMD.

Overall, researchers believe a strong genetic component exists for AMD and GWAS may contribute to more gene variants being connected with this eye disorder in the future.

Age is a top risk factorTrusted Source for AMD because your retina’s macula naturally thins and wears down as you get older.

Rates of AMD appear to be increasingTrusted Source, but this is partly due to a growing older population.

However, not all older adults will experience AMD:

Researchers have identified several other risk factors for AMD, aside from age and genetics.

According to the AAO and the National Eye Institute (NEI)Trusted Source, these include:

  • Having drusen: Drusen are clusters made up of lipids and proteins that can build up under your retina’s macula. Having drusen isn’t necessarily a sign of vision loss, but it is associated with an increased risk of developing AMD. Large drusen can impair your central vision and are considered a defining feature of AMD.
  • Race: While the exact reasons remain unclear, researchers have repeatedly found that older white people are at the highest risk of developing AMD.
  • Smoking: Being a smoker increases your risk for AMD, alongside multiple other health conditions.
  • High blood pressure: High blood pressure (hypertension) is linked to an increased risk of AMD.
  • Obesity: You’re at a higher risk for AMD if you have overweight or obesity.
  • Saturated fats: Foods high in saturated fat include certain dairy products, oils, and processed meats.

Learn more about the different types of macular degeneration and what this means for your eye health.

Your treatment options may depend on the type of macular degeneration you’ve developed.

With dry AMD, any vision loss you experience cannot be reversed. However, you can slow or stop the progression before you develop permanent vision loss.

For wet AMD, you can slow or stop symptoms and possibly reverse vision changes with anti-VEGF injections.

Those treatment options, depending on the type of AMD, may include:

  • Maintaining strong eye health: Schedule regular eye health appointments so your eye doctor can monitor your changing vision. Lifestyle factors, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising, and quitting smoking, benefit overall eye health. They may help some people with AMD maximize their vision.
  • AREDS 2 supplements: Some eye specialists recommend a special dietary supplement called AREDS 2 for people with intermediate AMD in one or both eyes. The supplement is made from large amounts of specific vitamins and minerals that have been shownTrusted Source to slow or stall central vision loss in people with AMD.
  • Anti-VEGF drugs: This medication is administered by injection into your eye on a cycle, usually every month. Anti-VEGF drugs help slow or stop the damage caused by the abnormal blood cell growth that causes wet AMD. This can slow or stop vision loss and sometimes even improve a person’s vision.
  • Photodynamic therapy (PDT): This involves an injection of light-sensitive medication in your arm. Your doctor will then target the blood vessels in your eye that are causing wet AMD vision loss with a special laser, which the medication helps break down.

Find out how wet AMD can affect vision loss and your eye health.

There are many ways to keep your eyes healthy and address known AMD risk factors.

Tips for better eye health include:

AMD is a common age-related eye condition that causes the loss of central vision over time. While age is the main risk factor for either type of AMD, research shows there is a strong genetic link for people who develop this type of macular degeneration.

This means if you have a blood-related family member with AMD, your risk of developing it may be higher. However, not everyone with a family history of AMD will develop the condition.

Your healthcare team can best guide you on your risk factors for any eye disease and possible treatments that may include medications, lifestyle changes, or low-vision aids and tools.