What is one of the modifiable risk factors for AMD?

Smoking is recognized as one of the modifiable risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Unlike age, race, and genetics, which are inherent and cannot be changed, smoking is a behavior that individuals can choose to modify or eliminate. Numerous studies have shown a strong correlation between smoking and the risk of developing AMD, as smoking can lead to damage of the retinal pigment epithelium and promote the progression of the disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce the risk of AMD and improve overall eye health, making it a target for intervention in prevention strategies. By focusing on modifiable factors like smoking, healthcare providers can help patients take proactive steps to mitigate their risk of developing AMD.