What’s My Risk for AMD?
Some groups of people are at higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including people who:1-4
Reducing your risk factors
You can reduce some of the risk of developing AMD by changing the risk factors that you can impact, like quitting smoking or living a healthy lifestyle.1-4 Quitting smoking is the best method to reduce the risk of central vision loss due to the increased risk of development and progression of AMD.
Following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and maintaining overall health are sound goals for everyone, and these lifestyle choices may act together to prevent or delay the onset or progression of AMD. Further, several systemic conditions that carry an increased risk of AMD, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypercholesterolemia, can be impacted by lifestyle modifications.1-4
Chronic sunlight exposure increases the risk of AMD. Protective eyewear, such as full-spectrum UV protection, as well as high energy visible light-blocking eyeglass lenses, may be beneficial.5
Visit the eye doctor
People with symptoms or who have risk factors for AMD should have closer follow-up by an eye care professional, and decisions on the number of visits should be made on an individual basis.5 Contact your eye doctor quickly if you experience changes in your vision.
It’s important to start having your eyes checked once you reach 40 years of age.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends comprehensive eye exams in adults with no risk factors for AMD or signs of disease. Regular follow up is important.2
People with significant risk factors should see an ophthalmologist; comprehensive evaluation includes a dilated eye exam, a slit-lamp exam to detect the subtle changes seen with the growth of abnormal blood vessels, and other tests can include optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein angiography (FA) to help to detect fluid leakage and vessel damage.2-4
References
- Cavallerano A. American Optometric Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Care Of The Patient With Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Published online 2004. Last reviewed 2024. https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Practice%20Management/Clinical%20Guidelines/Consensus-based%20guidelines/Care%20of%20the%20Patient%20with%20Age-Related%20Macular%20Degeneration.pdf
- Chuck RS, Dunn SP, Flaxel CJ, et al. Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2021;128:P1-P29.
- Cunningham J. Recognizing age-related macular degeneration in primary care. JAAPA. 2017;30:18-22.
- Flaxel CJ, Adelman RA, Bailey ST, et al. Age-Related Macular Degeneration Preferred Practice Pattern®. Ophthalmology. 2020;127:P1-P65.
- Practical Guidelines for the Treatment of AMD – Sponsored by MacuLogix – October 2017. https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/publications/ro1017-practical-guidelines-for-the-treatment-of-amd
All URLs accessed October 1, 2024.
