Causes of Macular Degeneration (AMD)


There are numerous risk factors, which can increase the likelihood of AMD and its progression:

  • Age - AMD is age related and older people are at a much higher risk of developing this degenerative condition.
  • Gender - Statistics show that women tend to be more likely to develop AMD compared with men.
  • Smoking - Research has suggested that you are at a higher risk of developing AMD if you smoke and that if you quit smoking, the risk of AMD reduces.
  • Genes - Research suggests that AMD may be hereditary or due to variants of specific genes.
  • Race - Some research suggests that Caucasian people may be more likely to suffer from AMD than others.
  • Sun Exposure - Research suggests that the retina can become damaged with prolonged sun exposure and some advocate that this may increase the chance of developing AMD.
  • Circulatory Diseases & Hypertension - These can increase your chances of developing AMD.
  • Nutrition - Certain minerals and vitamins can help reduce the likelihood of developing AMD.  Carotenoid, which is found in vegetables, may reduce the risk of developing AMD.  Some research suggests that taking vitamins, which are high in anti-oxidants (vitamins B, C and E) together with zinc could reduce the risk of high vision loss due to wet AMD.  There may be other supplements you could benefit from and it is advisable to speak with your optometrist or an eye surgeon about these.
  • High Blood Pressure & Obesity - These have been linked to AMD.
  • Lighter Eye Colour - This has been linked to AMD although research remains speculative. 

Some cases of AMD can be induced from the side effects of certain drugs including Aralen, which is an anti-malarial drug or phenothiazine, which is an anti-psychotic drug. 

If you have a healthy diet and do not smoke, you may be reducing your chances of developing AMD or its progression.

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For further information and support on macular disease, contact:

Macular Disease Society

PO Box 1870
Andover
SP10 9AD
Registered Charity No. 1001198
Tel: O845 241 2041
Fax: 01264 350558
Email: info@maculardisease.org
Web: www.maculardisease.org


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