What increases my risk for age-related macular degeneration?
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There are many risk factors that can increase your chance for macular degeneration. Being over 60, white, or female increases your risk, as well as a family history of the disease, smoking (doubles your risk), lighter-colored eyes, obesity, low nutrient levels (zinc, vitamin A, C, and E), and cardiovascular diseases, including high blood pressure. Though this risk factor is considered controversial and is not proven, it has been suggested that long-term ultraviolet light exposure increases your risk as well. Discuss ways to lower your risk with your doctor.
There are many risk factors that can increase your chance for macular degeneration. Being over 60, white, or female increases your risk, as well as a family history of the disease, smoking (doubles your risk), lighter-colored eyes, obesity, low... More -
Healthwise answered:The main things that put you at risk (risk factors) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) include:
- Older age. Age is the biggest risk factor for getting AMD. After age 75, more than 30 out of 100 people may have some form of AMD. But in people ages 43 to 54, fewer than 10 out of 100 have it.
- A family history of the disease. You are much more likely to get AMD if a close relative has it.
- Race. Whites appear to have a higher risk than blacks or Hispanics.
- Smoking. People who smoke are about twice as likely to develop AMD than nonsmokers. The risk appears to be higher for people who have been heavy smokers or who have smoked for a long time.
- One eye with wet AMD. Nearly half of people with wet AMD in one eye get wet AMD in the other eye within 5 years.
Other risk factors for developing AMD may include:
- Deposits at the back of the eye, called drusen. Eyes with large, soft drusen deposits are at a greater risk for developing abnormal blood vessels and wet AMD.
- A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Not getting enough carotenoids, antioxidant vitamins and zinc in your diet.
The main things that put you at risk (risk factors) for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) include: Older age. Age is the biggest risk factor for getting AMD. After age 75, more than 30 out of 100 people may have some form of AMD. But in... More
