Name a major modifiable lifestyle risk factor for AMD.

• A. Vitamin C deficiency
• B. Smoking
• C. Excessive sun exposure
• D. High cholesterol

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is that some risk factors for age-related macular degeneration are tied to lifestyle and can be changed. Among these, smoking stands out as the major modifiable factor.

Smoking exposes the eye to oxidative stress and toxins that damage the retinal pigment epithelium and choroidal circulation, accelerating damage in the macula. It also lowers antioxidant defenses in the retina. Because of this strong link, current smoking markedly increases the risk of developing AMD, and quitting reduces risk over time, approaching that of non-smokers with ongoing years of cessation.

Vitamin C deficiency isn’t a recognized driver of AMD risk on its own, though a diet rich in antioxidants can be beneficial. Excessive sun exposure has been studied but the evidence linking it to AMD is not as consistent or strong. High cholesterol may relate to overall vascular health, but it is not considered a primary modifiable lifestyle factor for AMD risk in the same way smoking is.