Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of macular degeneration include:

• Age. This disease is most common in people over 55.
• Family history and genetics. This disease has a hereditary component. Researchers have identified several genes related to developing the condition.
• Race. Macular degeneration is more common in Caucasians.
• Smoking. Smoking cigarettes or being regularly exposed to smoke significantly increases your risk of macular degeneration.
• Obesity. Research indicates that being obese increases the chance that early or intermediate macular degeneration will progress to a more severe form of the disease.
• Cardiovascular disease. If you have diseases that affect your heart and blood vessels, you may be at higher risk of macular degeneration.