Who's at Risk for Getting AMD?

Medical doctors aren't sure what causes AMD. Many risk factors have been found for the disease. One of the biggest risks is heredity. If someone in your family had AMD, your chances of getting it increase as well. As you get older, you are more likely to get AMD. Dry AMD usually shows up after the age of 60.

There are other risks for AMD as well. Do you smoke cigarettes, or did you smoke for a long time? That's a very significant risk factor for AMD. Also, whites tend to get AMD more often than African Americans. Women may get AMD more often than men.

People with high blood pressure may be at risk for AMD. Also, obesity increases your risk for AMD. If you don't eat enough fruits and vegetables, you don't get the eye healthy nutrients you need. You could be at risk for getting AMD as you get older.