Healthy Lifestyle Choices Can Reduce the Risk of Advanced Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over the age of 55. While genetics are known to play a major role in determining who develops advanced AMD, new research shows that healthy lifestyle behaviors can significantly reduce this risk even in people with a strong genetic predisposition.

Genetics Aren’t the Whole Story

Some individuals carry genetic variants that place them at higher risk for progressing from early or intermediate AMD to advanced AMD, including geographic atrophy and neovascular (wet) AMD. Traditionally, this genetic risk was thought to strongly determine outcomes. However, recent long-term research suggests that modifiable lifestyle habits can substantially influence disease progression.

The Impact of Lifestyle on AMD Progression

A large study followed adults ages 55 to 80 with varying degrees of genetic risk for AMD over a five-year period. Researchers evaluated several lifestyle factors, including:

• Smoking status

• Body mass index (BMI)

• Daily calorie intake

• Consumption of green leafy vegetables

• Fish intake

Participants were grouped into either health-promoting or risk-inducing lifestyle profiles.

What the Research Found

The results were striking:

• Individuals with high genetic risk who followed unhealthy lifestyle patterns were three to five times more likely to progress to advanced AMD compared to those with healthier habits.

• The risk increase was even higher among smokers.

• Unhealthy behaviors were especially associated with progression to geographic atrophy, one of the most severe forms of AMD.

• More than half of advanced AMD cases in genetically high-risk individuals could potentially be prevented through healthy lifestyle choices.

These findings highlight that genetics do not guarantee vision loss — behavior matters.

Lifestyle Habits That Support Macular Health

Research suggests several practical steps can help reduce the risk of advanced AMD:

Quit Smoking
Smoking is one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for AMD progression. Stopping smoking can significantly lower risk.

Maintain a Healthy Weight
A healthy BMI helps reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, both of which are linked to AMD progression.

Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Diets high in green leafy vegetables and fish provide important nutrients such as lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support macular health.

Practice Balanced Eating
Avoid excessive calorie intake and focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods to support overall and ocular health.

A Positive Takeaway for Patients

This research offers encouraging news: even if AMD runs in your family, your daily choices can make a meaningful difference. Regular eye exams combined with healthy lifestyle habits may help slow or prevent progression to advanced, vision-threatening AMD.

At our practice, we believe in empowering patients with education and prevention strategies to protect their vision for the long term.

Sources

• Eyes on Eyecare. Lifestyle Behaviors Play a Major Role in Preventing Genetic Risk for Advanced AMD. December 2025.
• Related peer-reviewed research on lifestyle modification and age-related macular degeneration progression.