However, on a genetic basis, there is no overlap between the risk genes of AMD (e.g., CFH, C2, C3, CETP, VEGFA, APOE)37,57 and the genes that have an influence on advanced shortening of the telomeres (e.g., TERT, TERC, TRF1, NAF1, RTEL).30 Here, TERT is linked to age-related macular degeneration.