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About AMD

AMD risk assessment

To assess your risk for developing AMD, answer the following questions then read the resulting statements. Please note that some of the factors listed below may increase your risk for developing AMD more than others. See your eye care professional for more information.

1. Are you age 55 or older?
Yes
At age 55 you have a 2% chance of developing AMD. But as your age increases, so does your risk. By the time you reach age 75, AMD will be affecting over 37% of your peers.
No
If you’re under 55, age is not yet a risk factor for you.
2. Does one of your parents or siblings have AMD?
Yes
You may be at a greater risk. Studies indicate that first-generation family members are up to three times more likely to develop AMD.
No
Your family history does not increase your risk for developing AMD.
3. Are you female?
Yes
Women develop AMD more often than men, so you may be at greater risk.
No
Males are not at increased risk for developing AMD.
4. Do you eat a diet that’s rich in fruits, leafy green vegetables, and fish?
Yes
Good. Your diet contains antioxidants to eliminate free radicals that can harm the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. This may make you less susceptible to developing AMD.
No
An inadequate intake of antioxidants found in fruits, leafy green vegetables, and fish, and consumption of saturated fats may create free-radical reactions that can harm the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision.
5. Do you supplement your diet with eye vitamins that contain lutein and omega-3?
Yes
Good. These powerful antioxidants found in Bausch & Lomb Ocuvite® Adult 50+ eye vitamins nourish and protect the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. This may make you less susceptible to developing AMD.
No
You are missing powerful antioxidants that could be nourishing and protecting the macula, the part of your eye responsible for central vision. You can get them in Bausch & Lomb Ocuvite® Adult 50+ eye vitamins, which may lower your risk of developing AMD.
6. Do you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol?
Yes
Either of these conditions may make you more susceptible to AMD. It is important to work with your doctor to correct them.
No
Not only is this good news for your overall health, these factors will not contribute to your risk for developing AMD.
7. Do you smoke or drink alcohol?
Yes
When you smoke, you expose your eyes to high levels of oxidative stress. Drinking alcohol may create free-radical reactions that can harm the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision. Either of these may increase your risk of developing AMD.
No
Not only is this good news for your overall health, these factors will not contribute to your risk for developing AMD.
8. Do you wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection?
Yes
Good. You are preserving your overall eye health and may also be decreasing your risk for AMD.
No
Wearing sunglasses that block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays is one of the easiest ways to preserve the health of the eye. Exposing your eyes to UV light may increase your risk for developing AMD.
9. Are you farsighted?
Yes
It is known that farsighted people (those who wear reading glasses or have trouble seeing up close) develop AMD more often than nearsighted people, although the reason hasn’t been definitively established. You may be at a greater risk for developing AMD.
No
Your type of vision does not increase your risk for developing AMD.
10. Do you have light eyes?
Yes
Some researchers believe AMD occurs more often in people with lighter eye color than those with dark because they lack pigment protection from the sun. Although no studies have conclusively shown a link to AMD, you might be at greater risk.
No
Your eye color does not increase your risk for developing AMD.
11. Do you have light skin?
Yes
Although the reasons aren’t clear, the lighter your skin, the greater your risk for developing AMD.
No
Your skin color does not increase your risk for developing AMD.

Remember, taking preventative steps today is the best way to reduce your future risk. For more information, visit our Keeping Eyes Healthy page.

The assessment is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye care professional or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your eye health.