Which of the following is a behavioral risk factor for age-related macular degeneration?

Which of the following is a behavioral risk factor for age-related macular degeneration?

• A. Vitamin E supplementation
• B. Smoking
• C. Regular physical activity
• D. High-fiber diet

Answer: (B)

Smoking stands out as a behavioral risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. The toxins in cigarette smoke create oxidative stress and damage to the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors, and they promote changes in the choroidal circulation that accelerate degeneration of the macula. This is a modifiable behavior, so quitting smoking can reduce risk and slow progression. In contrast, vitamin E supplementation is not a behavioral risk factor and has not shown to consistently increase AMD risk; regular physical activity and a high-fiber diet are generally associated with protective effects for overall health and may reduce AMD risk rather than increase it.

Smoking stands out as a behavioral risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. The toxins in cigarette smoke create oxidative stress and damage to the retinal pigment epithelium and photoreceptors, and they promote changes in the choroidal circulation that accelerate degeneration of the macula. This is a modifiable behavior, so quitting smoking can reduce risk and slow progression.

In contrast, vitamin E supplementation is not a behavioral risk factor and has not shown to consistently increase AMD risk; regular physical activity and a high-fiber diet are generally associated with protective effects for overall health and may reduce AMD risk rather than increase it.