New Study: Inflammation and Stress May Be the Missing Link in AMD
STORY AT-A-GLANCE
Chronic stress, measured by allostatic load (AL), significantly increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AL is calculated using 10 biomarkers of systemic stress including CRP, homocysteine, blood pressure, BMI, and cholesterol
Study participants who developed AMD had higher AL scores up to 9 years before diagnosis
Higher stress-related biomarker levels were linked to AMD risk independent of smoking, age, or race
Racial disparities in AMD may be partially explained by elevated chronic stress in underserved populations
Managing inflammation, stress, and metabolic function may offer a new pathway to prevent AMD
The Overlooked Link Between Stress and Vision Loss
You’ve likely heard that smoking, age, and poor diet increase your risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). But a new study reveals a hidden factor: chronic stress may be silently shaping your vision long before symptoms appear.
In a landmark analysis using data from the NIH’s All of Us Research Program, researchers found that participants with AMD had significantly higher allostatic load (AL) scores—an objective measure of chronic physiological stress—up to 9 years before their diagnosis.
AL is calculated using 10 systemic biomarkers including body mass index, blood pressure, cholesterol, C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, and kidney function. Higher AL scores reflect long-term wear and tear on the body caused by persistent stress.
Chronic Stress and AMD: The Numbers Behind the Discovery
The study involved 1,530 individuals (221 with AMD and 1,309 without), and controlled for major risk factors like age, sex, race/ethnicity, and smoking history.
Those with AMD had measurably higher stress biomarker loads years before they were diagnosed. The odds of developing AMD increased by 11% for each unit increase in AL score, even when adjusted for other variables.
Even more concerning, chronic stress was found to mediate racial disparities—non-white participants had higher AL scores and a greater AMD risk, suggesting stress may be a key driver in unequal health outcomes.
What This Means for You and Your Vision
This research flips the script on AMD prevention. It’s not just about eye vitamins or UV protection—it’s about managing your whole-body stress burden.
If left unaddressed, chronic stress can fuel inflammation, disrupt vascular function, and damage sensitive retinal tissue. And it can begin impacting your eyes long before any symptoms show up.
Action Steps to Protect Your Vision Holistically
To support eye health and reduce your allostatic load:
Reduce systemic inflammation through a whole-food, anti-inflammatory diet
Balance blood sugar and avoid insulin resistance, which compounds retinal stress
Incorporate daily stress relief practices: breathwork, meditation, journaling, or walking
Optimize sleep—a key repair window for the nervous system and eyes
Test and monitor key biomarkers like CRP, homocysteine, and blood pressure with your doctor
These aren't just general wellness tips—they are now evidence-based tools to reduce your long-term risk for AMD.