Which modifiable risk factor is associated with AMD?

Which modifiable risk factor is associated with AMD?

• A. Age
• B. Smoking
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hyperlipidemia

Answer: (B)

The key concept here is identifying a factor you can change that meaningfully affects AMD risk. Smoking is the strongest modifiable risk factor linked to age-related macular degeneration. Cigarette smoke creates oxidative stress and inflammation, and it can impair choroidal blood flow and damage the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch’s membrane. This accelerates drusen formation and promotes the neovascular changes seen in AMD. Although age is a major risk factor, it can’t be altered, and while hypertension and hyperlipidemia are important for overall vascular health, their association with AMD is weaker and less consistent than that of smoking. Quitting smoking reduces AMD risk over time, making it the most impactful modifiable factor to focus on.

The key concept here is identifying a factor you can change that meaningfully affects AMD risk. Smoking is the strongest modifiable risk factor linked to age-related macular degeneration. Cigarette smoke creates oxidative stress and inflammation, and it can impair choroidal blood flow and damage the retinal pigment epithelium and Bruch’s membrane. This accelerates drusen formation and promotes the neovascular changes seen in AMD. Although age is a major risk factor, it can’t be altered, and while hypertension and hyperlipidemia are important for overall vascular health, their association with AMD is weaker and less consistent than that of smoking. Quitting smoking reduces AMD risk over time, making it the most impactful modifiable factor to focus on.