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How CFH and Genetics Affect Age-related Macular Degeneration Risk

Age-related Macular Degeneration or AMD is a common cause of vision loss in older adults. It damages the macula, the central part of the retina that provides sharp, detailed vision needed for reading, recognizing faces, and driving. The CFH gene makes Complement Factor H, a protein that helps control inflammation and immune activity in the eye. Variations in CFH can change how well this regulation works, and certain versions of the gene are linked with higher risk of AMD.

Why this matters

Carrying a CFH variant associated with increased AMD risk does not guarantee you will develop the disease. AMD risk is influenced by a mix of genetics, environment, and lifestyle. Knowing your genotype can help you prioritize prevention strategies, screening, and conversations with your eye care provider.

Practical ways to support eye health

  • Nutrition: Emphasize antioxidant-rich leafy greens (spinach, kale), colorful fruits (berries, oranges), and vegetables high in lutein and zeaxanthin (kale, spinach, peas). These nutrients support macular health.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Eat fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel) 2–3 times per week or discuss omega-3 supplements with your provider if you do not consume fish regularly.
  • Avoid smoking: Smoking increases AMD risk and can interact with genetic susceptibility. Quitting is one of the most important protective actions.
  • Sun protection: Wear sunglasses that block UV and blue light when outdoors to reduce light-related stress on the retina.
  • Physical activity: Regular exercise supports overall vascular and metabolic health, which benefits the eyes.
  • Weight and cardiovascular health: Manage blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, since vascular health affects the retina.
  • Regular eye exams: Early detection of drusen or early AMD allows more options for monitoring and intervention.

Supplements and medical considerations

If you are concerned about AMD risk, discuss the following with your eye care provider before starting any supplements:

  • AREDS/AREDS2 formulations: In appropriate cases, formulations containing vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin have been shown to slow progression in people with intermediate or advanced AMD in one eye. Your clinician can advise whether this applies to you.
  • Omega-3 supplements: May be considered if dietary intake is low. Discuss dose and quality with your provider.
  • Blood tests and monitoring: Your provider may recommend baseline eye imaging such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or fundus photography and periodic follow-up based on findings and risk profile.

Genetic interpretation: CFH rs1061170 (Y402H)

2 effect alleles — CC (higher genetic risk)

If your genotype is CC, you carry two copies of the effect allele at rs1061170. This genotype is associated with an increased risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration. The CFH protein produced by your gene may be less effective at regulating complement activity in the retina. Reduced regulation can lead to increased inflammation, formation of drusen (yellow deposits under the retina), and a higher likelihood of damage to the macula over time.

What to do next:

  • Schedule a comprehensive dilated eye exam and discuss retinal imaging (OCT) for baseline assessment.
  • Adopt or intensify healthy lifestyle measures: quit smoking if you smoke, increase leafy greens and omega-3 rich foods, protect eyes from UV light, and maintain regular exercise.
  • Discuss with your eye care provider whether AREDS-type supplements are appropriate for your clinical stage of AMD or risk profile.
  • Consider more frequent monitoring as advised by your clinician to catch early changes when treatments or prevention strategies are most effective.
1 effect allele — CT (likely increased risk)

If your genotype is CT, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This generally confers a moderately increased risk of developing AMD compared with people who carry no effect alleles. The CFH protein function may be somewhat altered, which could lead to higher complement activation and a greater tendency toward retinal inflammation and drusen formation.

What to do next:

  • Maintain routine eye exams and consider retinal imaging when recommended by your eye care professional.
  • Follow preventive lifestyle measures: a diet rich in leafy greens and colorful fruits, regular intake of omega-3 fatty acids, smoking avoidance, UV protection, and regular physical activity.
  • Talk with your clinician about whether supplements such as AREDS2 are relevant for you based on your eye exam findings.
  • Be vigilant for vision changes such as new blurriness, distortion, or central dark spots and report them promptly to your provider.
0 effect alleles — TT (typical risk)

If your genotype is TT, you do not carry the rs1061170 effect allele and have typical genetic risk from this CFH site. Your CFH protein is likely to regulate complement activity in the eye effectively. However, typical genetic risk does not eliminate the possibility of AMD because other genes and lifestyle factors also contribute.

What to do next:

  • Continue with preventive eye care: routine dilated eye exams and prompt attention to vision changes.
  • Adopt healthy habits to minimize modifiable risk: antioxidant-rich diet, omega-3s, no smoking, UV protection, and regular exercise.
  • Discuss with your eye care provider whether any screening or supplements are appropriate given your age, family history, and eye exam findings.

Monitoring and when to see a healthcare provider

  • Have a comprehensive dilated eye exam at intervals recommended by your eye doctor. If you are older than 50 or have visual symptoms, more frequent exams may be recommended.
  • Notify your eye care provider quickly for new symptoms such as sudden blurring, distortion of straight lines, difficulty reading, or dark spots in central vision.
  • Ask about baseline retinal imaging such as OCT and Amsler grid testing for home use, which can help track subtle changes between visits.

Key takeaways

  • CFH variation at rs1061170 can change AMD risk by altering immune regulation in the eye.
  • Carrying risk alleles increases susceptibility but does not guarantee disease; lifestyle and regular eye care are important for everyone.
  • Work with your eye care provider to create a monitoring and prevention plan tailored to your genotype, age, and eye health status.

PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. This information is educational about genetic predispositions only. Always consult your healthcare provider or eye care professional before making medical decisions, starting supplements, or changing your care plan.