What Are the Risk Factors for Developing AMD?
There are a number of reasons why people may develop AMD, but age appears to be the main risk factor. In fact, the chance of developing AMD increases with each passing decade after age 50, with 30 percent of people over age 70 exhibiting some sign of the disease. There are genetic and environmental risk factors as well. Since pigment in the eyes appears to be protective, Caucasians, particularly women, appear to be at a greater risk. Smoking, family history, and sunlight exposure over the course of a lifetime also play a role.
