Share For the first time, a study indicates that the baby boomer generation may have lower risk for AMD than those who went before them.

Data from the Beaver Dam Study was presented at the recent meeting of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO).  This study has been underway for decades and includes the population of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  It has provided a wealth of information to researchers. 

For this review, they looked at participants 45 years or older.  The study has been underway for so long that they could also look at their parents who were part of the study.  They found that AMD declined with birth year and was lower for recent generations.

We know that AMD is a condition of age and that many factors play a role is why a person develops the problem.  We also know that genetics contributes to the development of AMD.  So, why would the numbers of people with macular degeneration go down?

Dr. Karen J. Cruickshanks suggests that, "Childhood exposure to environmental contaminants - for instance, growing up in houses that used wood, coal, or kerosene for cooking - may contribute to the risk of AMD", she said. This could have affected the older populations development of eye disease.  At the same time, modifiable factors play important roles.  The younger generation may have better access to care, have better diets, wear sunglasses, etc.

This study did not show a relationship between smoking and AMD, something which has been widely supported in multiple studies over the years.  So, there may be a flaw in the data, or it may be that the baby boomers in this study have not gotten old enough for the AMD to show up.

In any case, we should all take steps to reduce our own risk factors, especially if we have family members with AMD.