Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Non-Modifiable Risk Factors
- The American Academy of Ophthalmology notes that advanced age is the single most important risk factor for AMD, with prevalence increasing from 1% in those aged 65-69 years to 17% in those older than 80 years 1
- AMD prevalence is 6.5% in adults 40 years or older, increasing to 2.8% in those aged 40-59 years and 13.4% in those 60 years or older, according to the American Medical Association 2
- A positive family history strongly correlates with AMD risk, with genetics playing a more significant role than previously recognized, particularly in younger patients, as stated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Medical Association 1, 2
Modifiable Risk Factors
Smoking - The Most Critical Modifiable Risk Factor
- The American College of Cardiology and other medical societies agree that cigarette smoking is the only proven modifiable risk factor for AMD and must be addressed aggressively in all patients 1
- Current smokers face a 2-3 times higher risk of AMD compared to non-smokers, with risk increasing proportionally to pack-years smoked, as reported by the American College of Cardiology 1
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Factors
- Elevated body mass index is associated with increased AMD risk, according to the American Heart Association 1
- Presence of cardiovascular disease correlates with higher AMD risk, as stated by the American Heart Association and the American Medical Association 1, 2
- Hyperlipidemia is thought to contribute to AMD development, according to the American Medical Association 2
Socioeconomic Factors
- Lower socioeconomic or educational status is associated with higher prevalence of impaired visual acuity from AMD, as reported by the American Medical Association 2
- Lack of private health insurance correlates with increased AMD prevalence, according to the American Medical Association 2
Clinical Implications for Risk Stratification
- High-risk features that warrant AREDS2 supplementation include bilateral soft drusen, confluent drusen, RPE clumping or atrophy, and family history, as stated by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1
- Patients with intermediate AMD or advanced AMD in one eye require immediate intervention with AREDS2 formulation to prevent progression, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1
- Regular comprehensive eye examinations are crucial for early detection, as early AMD is typically asymptomatic, as reported by the American Academy of Ophthalmology 1