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Genetics, lifestyle, and environmental causes are all risk factors for developing the disease. People may refer to the condition as age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) as it usually affects older adults. AMD is the main cause of vision loss in people aged 50 or above. In the United States, almost 2 million people have AMD, and the condition is the leading cause of irreversible vision loss. Experts estimate this figure may double in the next 20 years. This article explains macular degeneration, its causes and risk factors, and whether it is hereditary. What is it Share on PinterestFG Trade/Getty ImagesAMD is the loss of the central part of a person’s vision. This means people have normal peripheral vision but will not be able to see fine details in front of them, whether near or far away. The macula is part of the retina that allows people to see straight ahead with sharp, clear vision. Damage or deterioration to the macula can lead to macular degeneration. There are two types of AMD: Dry or atrophic AMD Dry AMD occurs when the macula becomes thinner as people age and small clumps of a protein deposit — drusen — collect underneath the retina. Dry AMD is the most common type, affecting around 80% of people with the condition. Vision loss with dry AMD occurs gradually and in stages. It may progress over several years. There is currently no treatment for the later stages of dry AMD, but if it is only present in one eye, people can take measures to protect the other eye. Wet AMD or advanced neovascular AMD Wet AMD is a late stage of the condition and is less common. Dry AMD can turn into wet AMD. It occurs when there is an abnormal growth of blood vessels at the back of the eye, which causes damage to the macula. Wet AMD can result in more rapid vision loss, but treatment is available for it. Learn more about wet vs. dry AMD here. Is it hereditary According to the BrightFocus Foundation, genetics may play a part in AMD development in around 3 out of 4 cases. Certain genes can increase the risk of developing AMD. Two genes — Factor H and Factor B — play a role in regulating inflammation within the immune system. In 74% of people with AMD, these genes have certain variants that may link to an increased risk of developing the condition. Other genes that can play a role in the development of AMD include:the PLEKHA1 gene on chromosome 10a variation of the LOC387715 gene, particularly if a person also smokesa mutation in the HTRA1 genecomplement C3 variant There are over 30 genes that have an association with a risk of developing AMD. In particular, two genes that may have a close connection with AMD and how it progresses are the complement cascade, part of the immune system, on chromosome 1, and the ARMS2/HTRA genes on chromosome 10. If people have these particular gene variants, they may have a higher risk of developing AMD. There are also certain variants of genes that can have a protective effect against AMD and may lower the risk of developing it. Other causes Although genetics can play a part, research suggests a combination of factors can contribute to AMD. These include:oxidative stressantioxidant levelscholesterol levelsincreased inflammationincreased risk of vascular disease Other factors that may contribute to the development of AMD include:Cigarette smoking: In a study of female smokers, those who smoked 25 cigarettes or more per day had a significantly increased risk of AMD compared with those who had never smoked. Around 29% of AMD cases in the study had a link to smoking.Nutrition: Higher intake of saturated and trans fats increases the risk of AMD progressing to advanced stages of the disease.Obesity: This has a significant association with an increased risk of AMD progression.Cardiovascular risk factors: Higher inflammatory markers related to cardiovascular risk may also signal AMD risk. Risk factors Risk factors for developing AMD also include:eating a diet high in saturated fat, such as butter, cheese, and meatbeing overweightbeing over the age of 50having high blood pressurehaving heart diseasehaving high cholesterolbeing white Frequently asked questions Below, we answer some commonly asked questions about macular degeneration. Does macular degeneration always run in families Although a family history of AMD increases the risk of developing the condition, lifestyle and environmental factors also play an important part. If people have a family history of AMD, taking the following steps may help to reduce the risk of developing the condition:avoiding smokingexercising regularly and staying physically activemaintaining blood pressure and cholesterol levels within a healthy rangeeating a healthy, balanced diet including dark green leafy vegetables and fish, and limiting saturated fat Can I get a test for macular degeneration People can see an eye doctor to test for AMD. An eye doctor will carry out a dilated eye exam by giving people eye drops to dilate the pupil to examine it for any disorders. Another test is an optical coherence tomography (OCT) test, in which an eye doctor will take images of the inside of the eye using a special machine. If people have a family history of AMD or other risk factors, it is important for them to attend regular eye exams. What are the early warning signs of macular degeneration Early AMD may not cause any symptoms. People can notice the following mild symptoms in the intermediate stages of AMD: Some blurriness in their central vision and difficulty seeing in low lighting. In the later stages of dry AMD, or with wet AMD, people may experience:straight lines appearing as crooked or wavya blurry area or blank spots in the center of their visioncolors appearing less brightdifficulty seeing in low lighting People will need to contact a doctor if they have any symptoms of early or late AMD. Outlook Outlook for AMD may depend on the type and stage of the disease. Although there is currently no cure for dry AMD, certain vitamins in foods or supplements may help to slow down or prevent disease progression, such as:luteinzeaxanthinomega 3zincvitamin Cvitamin E If people have wet AMD, treatment may help to prevent further vision loss, such as:anti-VEGF medications, which a doctor injects into the eyephotodynamic therapy, which is a combination of laser treatment and injections Learn about 10 foods for eye health here. Summary Macular degeneration is a common eye disease in people over 50. It occurs due to damage to the macula, part of the retina, and causes a loss of central vision. Certain genes can increase the risk of the disease, along with lifestyle and environmental factors, such as smoking, high cholesterol, and blood pressure, and eating a diet high in saturated fats. If people have a family history of macular degeneration, getting regular eye exams, staying physically active, and eating a balanced, healthy diet may all help to reduce the risk of developing the condition. Last medically reviewed on May 30, 2022Dry EyeGeneticsEye Health / BlindnessMedically reviewed by Ryan Corte, OD — By Beth Sissons on May 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageEye health and dementia: Is there a link? According to a recent study, when ophthalmic conditions occur alongside systemic ones, such as diabetes and obesity, this increases the risk of…READ MORECan treatments reverse macular degeneration? 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