Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD) is the most common cause of blindness in the United States of adults, particularly those approaching the age of retirement. Until relatively recently, the cause of ARMD was not entirely known, and it still is not fully understood. However, we now know much more, and understand that the condition is multifactorial, with both environmental and hereditary/genetic components.

Age is the number one risk factor to consider when discussing macular degeneration. It is the most common cause of blindness in those over the age of 60, and affects one third of adults over the age of 70. Gender is a factor in that females are more likely to be affected, but this is most likely due to their longer life expectancy. Those with a family history of this disease are at greater risk, especially if the relative is in the immediate family. Caucasians are more at risk than any other races, most likely due to genetic background and pigmentation. Light colored eyes have an increased risk of developing macular degeneration because the lesser amount of pigment in the eye exposes it to greater damage from UV radiation. The presence of ARMD in one eye increases the likelihood of getting the similar condition in the fellow eye.