Does Macular Degeneration Run in Families?

Having a family history of macular degeneration significantly raises your risk of developing it yourself.

“There are some risk factors for developing macular degeneration that we cannot modify, and one of those factors is genetics,” confirms ophthalmologist and retina specialist Aleksandra Rachitskaya, MD.

Is macular degeneration hereditary?

The answer to this question isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” Macular degeneration is a type of eye disease that can be inherited. But not everyone who develops it has a family history of it — and not everyone with a family history develops it.

“We know that there’s a genetic component to macular degeneration, but it’s not a single gene. So, if your parent has it, that doesn’t mean that you definitely will,” Dr. Rachitskaya explains. “It just means that it’s a significant risk factor.”

It’s also worth noting that the words “hereditary” and “inherited” are often used incorrectly to mean “a family history.” But hereditary and inherited conditions are those that are specifically related to your genes. Family history includes other factors, too, like whether you and your relatives have similar lifestyle habits that could raise your risk.

In the case of macular degeneration, there’s likely a strong genetic component, but other factors play a role, too. In other words: Though anyone can develop macular degeneration, your risk is higher if it runs in your family — and that’s at least in part due to your genes.

What types of macular degeneration can be inherited?

Family history is a risk factor for all types of macular degeneration, but the most common type is called age-related macular degeneration (AMD) — which, as its name suggests, is more common with age. You’re 12 times more likely to develop AMD if you have a first-degree biological relative (that is, a parent, sibling or child) with the condition.

According to the American Ophthalmology Association (AAO), more than 30 genes may be associated with an increased risk of developing macular degeneration.

“But just because someone in your family has AMD doesn’t mean you will, too,” Dr. Rachitskaya reiterates. “There are a number of other factors at play, too.”

Non-age-related macular degeneration (NAMD) is much less common than AMD. Some versions, like Stargardt disease, are solely due to genetics. Others can be the result of eye trauma, nutritional deficiencies or nearsightedness.

How do you know if macular degeneration runs in your family?

Talking to your biological family members about their health history is the best way to learn what conditions you’re at risk for, including macular degeneration. But for a variety of reasons, not everyone has that option.

So, what about genetic testing? Right now, no type of gene therapy can help prevent or manage AMD, so the AAO doesn’t recommend genetic testing for it. That means the only way to know that you’re at a higher genetic risk for the condition is to know that you have a family history of it.

But whether or not you know your family history, the best thing you can do to lower your risk is to adopt certain lifestyle habits that have been shown to have an impact.

How to lower your risk if macular degeneration runs in your family

“We can’t control our genes, and we can’t control our age,” Dr. Rachitskaya emphasizes. “But other risk factors for macular degeneration are more within our power to try to manage.”

If someone in your family is diagnosed with macular degeneration, it’s smart to take steps to try to minimize your own risk. Start here:

• Quit smoking. It’s never too late to quit. Smoke (including secondhand smoke) damages your cells and significantly raises your risk of various diseases, including AMD.
• Adapt your diet. Eye-healthy foods like fruits, veggies and healthy fats can help slow the progression of age-related vision issues. “The Mediterranean diet has been shown to protect our eyes from AMD,” Dr. Rachitskaya says. “So, try to incorporate foods like salmon and leafy green vegetables.”
• Protect your eyes. Get into the habit of wearing sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays.
• Exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can help you ward off risk factors for developing AMD, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and a high body mass index (BMI).
• See your eye doctor annually. Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist can help catch AMD in the early stages. “You should make an appointment every year, but be sure to schedule an in-between appointment if you notice any changes in your vision,” Dr. Rachitskaya advises.

Taking these intentional precautions can go a long way toward preventing AMD or keeping it from getting worse.

“It can be very scary to learn that you or someone else in your family has AMD,” Dr. Rachitskaya acknowledges. “But with early intervention and the right treatments, this condition can be very manageable.”