High and Low HDL Levels Associated With AMD Risk

Researchers also identified associated genes and hypothesized a mechanism of drusenogenesis with Lp(a).

By: Sarah Fackler, managing editor, Optometric Management

Retinal Physician June 24, 2025

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A U-shaped association exists between serum HDL levels and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) risk, with both low and high levels increasing risk.
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The study analyzed data from 2,328 AMD patients and 5,028 healthy controls, revealing significant genetic variants linked to AMD susceptibility.
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Specific SNPs, including LPA (rs3798220), were newly associated with increased AMD risk, while ABCA1 and LIPC were inversely related to risk.
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The lowest AMD risk was observed at HDL levels between 40 and 60 mg/dL, independent of gender, smoking, statin use, or cardiovascular disease.
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The authors propose that elevated HDL may contribute to drusen formation in AMD through local aggregation and inflammation in Bruch's membrane.

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