Risk Factors

Some people are at greater risk of developing macular degeneration than others. People who are lightly pigmented, with blond hair and blue eyes, have a higher risk. Those with darker pigmentation have a lower risk. Macular degeneration is most common in people of Northern European ancestry but infrequent among African-Americans.

Family history is a well-documented risk factor for macular degeneration. Someone with a significant family history of macular degeneration in a parent or sibling has twice the risk of macular degeneration as the average person the same age. Therefore, a 65-year-old with an affected parent has a 10 percent risk rather than the 5 percent risk of the average 65-year-old.

Several studies have linked smoking to macular degeneration. There are obviously many other reasons to avoid smoking – protecting your lungs and heart. Here’s one more: quitting smoking may also be beneficial for the eyes. Medical conditions that lead to atherosclerosis (“hardening of the arteries”) have been linked to a higher risk of vision loss from macular degeneration. High blood pressure and high cholesterol have both been associated with an increased risk of ARMD.

Diet may also be a factor. Some studies have shown that people who eat greater amounts of the “dark green leafy vegetables” – Brussels sprouts, spinach, broccoli and collard greens – have a lower risk of developing macular degeneration. But this has not been definitely proven.

Exposure to ultraviolet light may also be a risk factor. It is therefore prudent to wear sunglasses outdoors on sunny days.