From the Guidelines
The most significant risk factors for macular degeneration are age, cigarette smoking, and family history, with age being the most prominent factor, as the prevalence of AMD increases significantly with age, especially in white females 60 to 64 and older, as noted in the comprehensive adult medical eye evaluation preferred practice pattern 1.
Key Risk Factors
- Age: The prevalence of AMD increases significantly with age, with a notable increase in white females 60 to 64 and older 1.
- Cigarette smoking: Consistently identified as a risk factor for progression of AMD, with the risk increasing relative to the number of pack-years smoked 1.
- Family history: Plays a crucial role in the susceptibility to AMD, with specific gene variants (including CFH and ARMS2) linked to increased risk.
- Other factors: Obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and excessive sun exposure without proper eye protection may also contribute to the risk of developing AMD.
Prevention and Management
To reduce the risk of macular degeneration, it is essential to:
- Quit smoking, as smoking-cessation counseling may influence patients to stop smoking, reducing the risk of AMD progression 1.
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Eat a diet rich in leafy greens and fish, and consider taking nutritional supplements, such as the AREDS2 formulation, which has been shown to have preventive efficacy in high-risk groups 1.
- Exercise regularly and wear sunglasses with UV protection outdoors.
- Get regular eye exams, especially after age 50, as early detection through regular eye exams can help manage the condition before significant vision loss occurs 1.
From the Research
Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration
- Older age is a significant risk factor for macular degeneration, as stated in the study 2
- Other risk factors include smoking, dyslipidemia, obesity, white race, female sex, and a family history of AMD, as mentioned in the study 2
- Cigarette smoking is also identified as a risk factor in the study 3
- Female gender and Caucasian race are additional risk factors, as noted in the study 3
Dietary Factors
- Omega-3 fatty acids may have a protective role in age-related macular degeneration, as suggested by the studies 4, 5, and 6
- However, the results are not consistent, and further study is needed to determine the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in preventing AMD, as stated in the study 4
- Lutein + zeaxanthin may be an appropriate carotenoid substitute in the AREDS formulation, as suggested by the study 5
Diagnosis and Treatment
- Regular eye examinations, visual field testing, fluorescein angiography, and optical coherence tomography are used for diagnosis and to guide management, as mentioned in the study 2
- There is no specific therapy for dry AMD, but antioxidant supplementation may be helpful, as stated in the study 2
- Intravitreal injection of a vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitor is the treatment of choice for wet AMD, as noted in the study 2