Is there a genetic link to age related macular degeneration?
There seems to be a genetic, hereditary link – many current studies related to this topic are being conducted. It seems that the risk for developing age related macular degeneration is higher if there are other family members who have it. It is not fully understood why this happens. If there is a gene that determines AMD and many family members have it, why doesn’t each member develop the disease? Research is focused on identifying the gene or genes of AMD (and many have been isolated) and then determining why some people then get AMD and other family members do not. (Back to top.
