Is Macular Degeneration Hereditary? Understanding Your Family Risk

Does Macular Degeneration Run in Families?

It’s a question many people ask when a loved one is diagnosed with AMD (age-related macular degeneration), a condition many people worry about.. The possibility of vision loss in the future can bring a lot of worry regarding the risk of macular degeneration, especially when it feels like something that runs in the family.

So, is AMD hereditary?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. While your genetic factors play a role in determining your risk of developing AMD., they’re not the whole story. Having a parent, sibling, or grandparent with the condition can increase your chances, but lifestyle choices and other environmental factors also influence whether or not you’ll develop the disease.

If someone close to you has been diagnosed with AMD, your own eye health becomes more important than ever to reduce your risk of developing AMD. And one of the smartest steps you can take is to get a professional macular degeneration assessment. These assessments don’t just evaluate your current vision—they can spot early retinal changes before symptoms appear, giving you time to take action.

Understanding your risk isn’t about fear—it’s about taking control of what you can influence. Even if you carry certain genetic traits associated with AMD, which may increase your risk, it’s still possible to preserve your vision for years to come with the right lifestyle and monitoring habits.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Age-related macular degeneration is a chronic eye disease that affects the macula, a small central part of the retina responsible for sharp, straight-ahead vision. This is the vision you use for everyday activities, such as reading, recognising faces, watching TV, and driving.

When the macula begins to deteriorate, those everyday activities become harder. You may start to notice blurriness in the centre of your vision, trouble reading even with your glasses on, or a dark or empty spot in your central field of vision. Over time, AMD can cause irreversible loss of central vision, particularly in more severe forms.

In Australia, AMD is the leading cause of blindness among people over 50. As the population ages, the number of people affected is expected to rise sharply. Early education and awareness are key to managing this increase and helping people stay independent for longer.

AMD typically progresses slowly, but not always. There are two major types, and they affect people in different ways.

Dry AMD

Dry AMD is by far the most common form, accounting for approximately 80-90% of all cases. It develops gradually as the macula thins over time and waste products build up under the retina.

The early stage may have no noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, people begin to notice blurry or distorted central vision. Reading, using a smartphone, or recognising faces becomes difficult. In more advanced stages, large blind spots may develop.

There is currently no cure for dry AMD, but lifestyle modifications and nutritional supplements can help slow its progression.

Wet AMD

Wet AMD is less common but significantly more serious. It accounts for 10 to 20% of cases but causes the majority of severe vision loss.

Wet AMD happens when abnormal blood vessels grow under the retina and start to leak fluid or blood. This causes swelling and scarring of the macula, leading to rapid vision loss if untreated.

Symptoms often include:

• Sudden onset of blurry or wavy vision (straight lines appear distorted)

• A dark or empty spot in the centre of your vision

• Rapid loss of central vision in one or both eyes

Fortunately, wet AMD is treatable. Anti-VEGF injections can reduce leakage and slow or halt the growth of abnormal blood vessels. The key is catching it early.

Getting diagnosed with either form of AMD is serious, but it’s not a hopeless situation. Regular eye exams and prompt treatment can preserve your vision and quality of life. There is also excellent support available through the Macular Disease Foundation Australia, which offers education, resources, and help with navigating treatment options.

Is Macular Degeneration Hereditary?

Let’s get to the heart of it: yes, macular degeneration can be hereditary.

People with a family history of AMD are at significantly higher risk of developing the condition themselves, particularly if a parent or sibling has been diagnosed.

Studies have shown that having a first-degree relative with AMD can double your risk. This makes sense, considering that two genes linked to inflammation and retinal health have been associated with AMD.

Here are two of the most significant genes identified so far:

CFH Gene

The complement factor H (CFH) gene helps regulate inflammation in the body. Certain variants of this gene have been linked to higher levels of chronic inflammation in the retina, which can contribute to the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

People who carry high-risk genetic variants of the CFH gene may be more susceptible to this condition. May be more susceptible to macular cell damage, particularly due to the genes involved, especially when combined with other risk factors like smoking or poor nutrition.

ARMS2 Gene

The age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) gene is another key player. Variants in this gene are thought to increase oxidative stress in the retina, a major contributor to cell breakdown and vision loss.

Together, CFH and ARMS2 account for a large part of the known genetic risk for AMD. However, dozens of other genes are also being studied, and the full genetic landscape of AMD is still being mapped.

What’s important to understand is this: carrying these genes doesn’t guarantee you’ll develop AMD. It just means your baseline risk is higher.

Some people with these gene variants never develop any vision problems. Others with no genetic markers at all do end up with the disease. It’s a combination of factors—your DNA, your environment, and your lifestyle choices.

That’s why early screening and healthy habits are so crucial, especially if you know AMD runs in your family.

How Genetics Influence AMD Risk

Your genes create a foundation, but they don’t determine your fate. Age-related macular degeneration is a multifactorial condition, meaning that both genetic and environmental factors work together to determine your risk.

Hereditary Risk Factors

If you have a family history of AMD, you may already carry certain genetic markers that increase your risk of developing the condition. These inherited risk factors include:

• A Family History of AMD: Especially if a parent or sibling has been diagnosed.

• Presence of High-Risk Genes: Variants in genes such as CFH, ARMS2, HTRA1, and C3 are all associated with an increased risk of developing AMD.

• Ethnicity and Background: People of European descent tend to have a higher genetic predisposition for AMD, although it affects people of all ethnicities.

However, even among people with the same gene variants, the disease progression can vary significantly. Why? Because new blood vessels and genetics interact with your environment and lifestyle.

Modifiable Risk Factors

Here’s where you get to take control. These are the major risk factors that you can influence, no matter what your genes say.

• Smoking: By far the strongest modifiable risk factor. Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers. If you’re genetically predisposed, smoking may fast-track disease progression.

• Diet: A poor diet can deprive your eyes of vital nutrients like lutein, zeaxanthin, vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that a nutrient-rich diet slows the development of AMD, especially in high-risk individuals.

• Blood Pressure and Heart Health: Poor cardiovascular health can reduce blood flow to the retina, which can accelerate degeneration.

• Obesity and Inactivity: Being overweight, especially with belly fat, can increase inflammation throughout the body, including the retina.

• Sun Exposure Without Eye Protection: UV light contributes to oxidative damage. Long-term exposure without sunglasses puts strain on your retina.

These modifiable factors are your leverage. Even if you have a genetic predisposition, improving these areas, such as maintaining a diet rich in nutrients, can significantly reduce your actual risk of macular degeneration, or at least slow its progression.

What to Do If AMD Runs in Your Family

If you know that AMD is present in your family history, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Vision loss from AMD is permanent, but early action can help prevent or delay the worst outcomes.

Here’s what to do:

1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams

Don’t wait until your 60s. If you’re over 40 and have a family history of AMD, make comprehensive eye exams part of your annual health routine.

An optometrist or ophthalmologist will check for subtle signs of retinal damage and macular changes, even before symptoms show up. This allows for early intervention, which is key to preserving vision.

2. Adopt Protective Lifestyle Habits

Making smarter everyday choices can significantly reduce your risk, even if your genes are working against you.

• Eat for Your Eyes: Focus on leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), colourful vegetables (like sweet potatoes and capsicums), berries, nuts, and fatty fish (like salmon or sardines). These are rich in antioxidants, lutein, and omega-3 fatty acids.

• Stay Active: Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days. Exercise helps regulate blood pressure and inflammation.

• Quit Smoking: If you smoke, quitting is the single most impactful step you can take for your eye health. Get support through your GP or a quitline.

• Wear Sunglasses: Choose ones with 100% UVA and UVB protection. Polarised lenses can offer even more comfort in bright light.

• Manage Chronic Conditions: Keep your blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes in check. These all affect retinal circulation and health.

3. Talk to Your Doctor About Supplements

If you’re at intermediate or advanced risk, your eye specialist may recommend supplements based on the AREDS2 formula. These contain specific doses of zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Don’t start supplements without medical advice—they’re not appropriate for everyone.

4. Monitor Your Vision at Home

Use an Amsler grid to check for wavy lines or missing spots in your central vision. If you notice changes, seek help immediately. The earlier you report symptoms, such as visual hallucinations, the better your chances of effective treatment.

Resources like Nutrition Australia offer great guidance on building an AMD-prevention diet, while a dilated eye exam, provided by the Better Health Channel, gives practical tools for healthy living.

Early Detection Through Macular Assessments

Advanced retinal imaging has made it easier than ever to detect AMD in its early stages—long before you notice anything wrong.

These assessments are painless, quick, and usually part of a routine eye exam. If you’re at risk, your optometrist might suggest more frequent screening.

Common Macular Tests Include:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Think of this as an ultrasound for your eyes. It creates cross-sectional images of the retina to detect thinning, fluid buildup, or other changes.

• Fundus Photography (Retinal Imaging): High-resolution photographs track changes in your retina over time.

• Visual Acuity Testing: Measures how clearly you can see at various distances.

• Amsler Grid Testing: A simple grid pattern you look at to detect vision distortions or central blind spots.

If early signs of AMD are detected, your optometrist or ophthalmologist can recommend lifestyle adjustments, refer you for further testing, or initiate treatment, especially crucial in the case of wet AMD.

Conclusion

While macular degeneration can be hereditary, it doesn’t have to be your future. Your genes are part of the picture, but your daily habits, health awareness, and proactive care can help prevent legal blindness.

Here’s the big picture:

• If AMD runs in your family, your risk is higher, but not guaranteed.

• Genes like CFH and ARMS2 raise your baseline risk, but modifying your lifestyle can reduce or delay symptoms.

• Smoking, poor diet, and lack of eye protection are strong, controllable risk factors.

• Routine eye exams and early detection can help catch AMD before it causes permanent vision damage.

• Resources and support are available, from dietary guides to medical treatments, to help you protect your sight.

If you haven’t had your eyes checked recently—and you know AMD runs in your family, which is a leading cause of vision loss —book a macular assessment today. It’s a simple step that could preserve your vision for decades.

Your eyes are your window to the world. Protect them now, so they can continue to serve you well into the future.