Genetic Testing for Macular Degeneration: Should You Get Tested?

Medically reviewed by Paul B. Griggs, M.D.

Written by Brett Lowell

Posted on August 26, 2026

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If someone in your family has age-related macular degeneration (AMD), you may be concerned about whether you’ve inherited the genes associated with the condition. And you might be asking yourself, “Should I get genetic testing for AMD?”

AMD isn’t directly inherited from parents, but people with a close relative with AMD do have a higher risk of developing it. Scientists have conducted studies to determine which genes are associated with the disease. Although genetic testing is available for two of the genes that are most closely associated with AMD, there may not be much benefit in knowing whether you have them.

Below, we’ll discuss genetic testing for age-related macular degeneration, whether you should get tested, and ways to lower your risk of developing AMD.

🗳️ Do you have a close relative with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)?

Yes, I have a close relative with AMD.

No, I don’t have a close relative with AMD.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Genetic Testing

Scientific studies have identified more than 30 genes that are associated with the risk of developing AMD. However, variations in the two genes listed below are most closely linked to whether someone develops AMD and how advanced the disease becomes:

The ARMS2 and HTRA genes on chromosome 10
The complement cascade (CFH) genes on chromosome 1

Although genetic tests for ARMS2/HTRA and CFH are available, genes are only one of many risk factors for developing AMD. Other risk factors include:

Age, gender, and race
Smoking
Diet, body weight, and exercise
Cholesterol and blood pressure
Sun exposure

Should You Get Tested?

Currently, the American Academy of Ophthalmology doesn’t recommend getting an age-related macular degeneration genetic test. Here are their reasons:

If you have one of the genetic variations discussed above, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll develop AMD. It just means you have an increased genetic risk for macular degeneration.
Gene therapy for AMD doesn’t currently exist. Consequently, there isn’t any benefit to knowing whether you have these genetic variations.

Future research may improve our understanding of AMD and how individual genetic variations affect it. If treatments for specific genetic variants become available, then genetic testing for AMD might be recommended.

Ways to Reduce Your Risk of Developing AMD

If you or a loved one is worried about inherited genes raising your risk for AMD and experiencing vision loss, there are preventive steps you can take.

Quit Smoking

Smoking exposes you to unstable molecules called free radicals that can damage cells in your body and keep the retina from getting nutrients. Studies have shown that smoking significantly increases your risk for developing AMD, so it’s important to quit smoking as soon as possible. This can be especially true if AMD runs in your family.

Improve Your Diet

A diet lacking antioxidants and high in saturated fats and processed foods may raise your risk for developing AMD. Improving your diet by eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and fish (like salmon or sardines) may help lower your risk. Leafy greens (such as spinach, kale, and chard) are an excellent source of antioxidants, which can help prevent free radicals in the body.

Take Supplements

People with nutrient-deficient diets may benefit from taking a multivitamin. If you’re at risk for advanced AMD, talk to your ophthalmologist about AREDS supplements. These vitamins may decrease your risk of developing a severe form of AMD.

Improve Your Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

High cholesterol can damage the eyes and heart. High blood pressure can reduce the blood flow to your eyes and may contribute to AMD as well.

Exercise and Body Weight

People with a sedentary lifestyle or a higher body weight may have a higher risk of developing AMD. Losing weight can lower blood pressure, which can increase blood flow to the eyes.

Wear Sunglasses

The retinas in your eyes can get damaged by ultraviolet and blue light from the sun. Wearing sunglasses (especially those with a “UV 400” label) can help block this light.