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MACULAR DEGENERATION CAUSES
Macular Degeneration – The Main Cause Is Age Related
Macular degeneration (AMD)is primarily an age-related disease and anyone is at risk. The following list of macular degeneration causes can help you to identify if you are at risk of developing the condition.
Macular Degeneration – Are You At Risk?
- Age – This is by far the most common cause of macular degeneration; your risk increases if you are over the age of 50. This may because our cells ability to renew themselves decreases over time.
- Genetics – A problem with a certain gene has been identified that may increase a person’s risk of contracting macular degeneration. The specific problem has yet to be clarified but if you have inherited this faulty gene from one or both of your parents you may be at a higher risk. People with a family history of macular degeneration may be more at risk and when the condition develops in younger people this is usually the case.
- Gender – The condition is more commonly found in men than it is in women. One reason for this may be that women tend to live longer than men.
- Diet – A diet high in saturated and hydrogenated fats is a factor in the development of AMD, the problem may also be more likely to occur in those who are obese. It is also thought that a diet that is low in anti-oxidants as found in fruit and vegetables may also contribute to the onset of macular degeneration.
- Alcohol – Drinking more than four units of alcohol per day could increase the risk of developing early onset AMD
- Smoking – Research shows that people who smoke and those who have smoked in the past are almost four times likely to develop macular degeneration than those who have never smoked.
- Sunlight – The macula’s cells are highly sensitive to bright sunlight. If you have been exposed to a lot of sunlight over the course of your life, maybe from working outdoors, you could be at risk of developing the condition.
With the right kind of support and advice many people with macular degeneration (AMD )continue to enjoy a good quality of life, retain their independence and continue to pursue their activities and interests.