What Causes Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is an eye condition that commonly affects senior citizens, though it can appear in anyone.  Macular degeneration results in progressive damage to the central macula–the part of the retina responsible for seeing color and acute vision.

Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss in older adults.  Macular degeneration occurs in “dry” and “wet” forms.  Some of the risk factors for macular degeneration include:

Age. About 30 to 50 million adults globally have macular degeneration and about ten percent of adults ages 66-74 will have macular degeneration.

Family History. If macular degeneration runs in your family, your risk of suffering from it is also higher.

Macular degeneration gene. Your eye care specialist can discuss the possibility of a macular degeneration gene. Certain genes are strongly associated with a person’s risk for getting macular degeneration.

The nutrients lutein and zeaxanthin both help prevent macular degeneration, according to the American Optometric Association.  They help your eyes filter harmful blue wavelengths of light, which protects your vision and maintains healthy cells.  For more information on detecting or treating macular degeneration, please contact Associated Retina Consultants in Phoenix at 602-242-4928 or associatedretinaconsultants.com.