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What Puts You at Risk for Macular Degeneration?
While there are no known causes of macular degeneration, many studies have been performed which illustrate factors that may put you at risk for the disease. There are risk factors you can't control, such as age and genetics, and risk factors that you can control, such as smoking and poor nutrition.
Risk Factors You Can't Control
Age
Aging is the greatest risk factor for developing macular degeneration. The older you get, the greater your chance of developing macular degeneration. In fact, macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in people over 60.
Race
Macular degeneration is more prevalent among Caucasians compared to other races.
Gender
Women have a greater chance of developing the disease than men do, according to some studies.
Genetics
Compared to someone who does not have a close relative with macular degeneration, you may be three times as likely to develop the condition if you have a close relative who has the disease. However, the disease does not necessarily progress in the same way in all family members.
Light Eye Color
The disease is more common in people with blue and light-colored eyes. One possible reason: People with light-colored eyes have less protective pigment in their eyes, which may result in more damage due to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun.
Risk Factors You Can Control
An unhealthy lifestyle, which may include smoking, poor nutrition or limited exercise, could contribute to your risk of developing macular degeneration. As a result, many risk factors are within your control to reduce your chance of getting the disease and promote better health.
Smoking
Several studies have shown that smoking increases your risk of developing macular degeneration. If you are a smoker, one of the best things you can do to reduce your risk is to quit smoking. In doing so, you also eliminate the risk your second-hand smoke poses to others.
High Blood Pressure
According to several studies, people with high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, have a higher incidence of macular degeneration than people without high blood pressure. Because aging decreases the elasticity of blood vessels in the body, high blood pressure may cause vessels, including those in the retina, to be more easily damaged in older adults. If you have high blood pressure, speak with your doctor about how to change your diet or what medication you can take to lower your risk.
High Cholesterol
If you have high cholesterol, you may have a higher risk of developing macular degeneration. Consult your doctor for ways to lower your cholesterol.
Poor Nutrition
Dietary habits may put you at risk for developing macular degeneration. In particular, data seems to point to a high-fat diet, coupled with inadequate amounts of fruits and vegetables. Certain nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamins, minerals or other compounds needed by the retina, may also contribute to the risk of developing advanced stages of macular degeneration once a diagnosis has already been made.
Unprotected Exposure to Sunlight
Ultraviolet (UV) light has been shown to damage retinal cells in laboratory research. When outdoors, wear 100% UV protective sunglasses as well as a hat to limit your eyes' exposure to the sun.
Excessive Sugar Intake
High intake of dietary sugar may contribute to circulatory abnormalities. Hyperglycemia, the abnormally high blood sugar often associated with diabetes, can cause abnormalities in the structure and functioning of Bruch's membrane and blood vessels in the choroid. These abnormalities may be a risk factor in the development of macular degeneration or macular edema. Consult your doctor about your current diet and, if you have high blood sugar, ask about dietary and medical strategies to reduce your sugar level.
Obesity
Studies have demonstrated that being overweight can increase your risk of developing macular degeneration, since overweight people are often hyperglycemic -- have high blood sugar -- and hypertensive -- have high blood pressure. If you are overweight, speak with your doctor about options, such as diet, nutrition and exercise, for reaching your ideal weight.
Sedentary Lifestyle
If you do not exercise on a regular basis, you may be putting yourself at risk for diminished circulation, including reduced circulation of blood to the retina. Regular exercise promotes good blood flow, circulating an oxygen-rich supply of blood to your body. This helps our cells, including those in our eyes, transfer nutrients and dispose of waste products more efficiently. Before beginning an exercise program, ask your physician for an assessment and assistance in determining the right physical activity for you.
By Eleanor E. Faye, MD, FACS, and Sarah Lloyd