Age-related macular degeneration risk

The CFH gene helps calm inflammation in the retina. A common risk variant in it is linked to age-related macular degeneration, a leading cause of vision loss in older adults.

Possible results

Lower AMD risk. You carry the lower-risk version of the CFH gene (which helps calm inflammation in the retina) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an eye condition that can blur central vision later in life. From what this gene shows your AMD risk is on the lower side.

Higher AMD risk. You carry one copy of the CFH risk variant for age-related macular degeneration, an eye disease of later life. It modestly raises your risk, but it's only one factor: not smoking, eating leafy greens and fish, and regular eye exams as you age all help. It's a tendency, not a diagnosis.

Much higher AMD risk. You have two copies of the CFH risk variant for age-related macular degeneration, which raises your statistical risk more noticeably. Many people with this genotype never develop AMD, and lifestyle (especially not smoking) plus routine eye checkups as you get older make a real difference.

Evidence & sources

Across global populations, about 14% of people carry two copies of this variant, and about 41% carry none.

This variant appears in 3 published genetic studies: PubMed 20385826 · PubMed 21665990 · PubMed 22705344.

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