Final answer:
The 70-year-old male smoker is at the highest risk for AMD due to the significant impact of long-term smoking on eye health, specifically the increased risk of macular degeneration associated with tobacco use.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse recognizes that the patient at the highest risk for the development of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the 70-year-old man with a history of smoking for 50 years (Option D). AMD is the most common cause of blindness, particularly affecting the elderly, and smoking is a well-established risk factor for its development. Factors such as obesity, hypertension, lack of physical activity, and elevated cholesterol also contribute to the risk, but the extensive history of smoking poses a more significant risk.
AMD occurs when cells in the retina's macula, the area specialized for high visual acuity, begin to die. The contribution of smoking to the development of AMD is well-documented, with smokers and former smokers having a significantly increased risk. The early detection and management of modifiable risk factors, such as smoking cessation, can help reduce the risk and progression of AMD.