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

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

• A. Age over 50 years
• B. Age under 20 years
• C. Regular exercise
• D. Vitamin C deficiency

Answer: (A)

Age increases the likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration because the retina undergoes cumulative age-related changes, including oxidative stress and alterations in Bruch's membrane and the retinal pigment epithelium, leading to drusen and macular dysfunction. Being over 50 years old fits this pattern, as AMD typically presents in late middle age or older, making age over 50 the correct risk factor among the options. The other choices don’t align with AMD risk: being under 20 isn’t associated with AMD risk, regular exercise tends to support vascular and ocular health, and vitamin C deficiency is not a known specific risk factor for AMD.

Age increases the likelihood of developing age-related macular degeneration because the retina undergoes cumulative age-related changes, including oxidative stress and alterations in Bruch's membrane and the retinal pigment epithelium, leading to drusen and macular dysfunction. Being over 50 years old fits this pattern, as AMD typically presents in late middle age or older, making age over 50 the correct risk factor among the options. The other choices don’t align with AMD risk: being under 20 isn’t associated with AMD risk, regular exercise tends to support vascular and ocular health, and vitamin C deficiency is not a known specific risk factor for AMD.