The exact causes of age-related macular degeneration are not known. Researchers and clinicians believe that the causes of macular degeneration are multifactorial, meaning there are a number of different factors that may contribute to the disease. Multiple studies have identified and continue to validate a hereditary or genetic predisposition to age-related macular degeneration; however, there also appears to be a contribution from environmental and nutritional factors. Risk factors associated with macular degeneration include older age, race (White), smoking, high intake of saturated fats, and exposure to sunlight.
Some of these risks are discussed in the previous question, and others will be discussed in greater detail in subsequent questions. Recent research with regard to genetic findings, such as the association of the CFH gene and macular degeneration, suggest a role of chronic inflammation in macular degeneration. CFH plays a role in controlling inflammation in the body, and its association with macular degeneration points to inflammation as contributing in some manner to macular degeneration. A number of researchers are focusing tremendous time and funding in an effort to learn about the role of inflammation, genetics, and macular degeneration.