What Are the Main Causes of Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a disease that damages a portion of your retina and causes the loss of central vision. Some doctors call it AMD (age-related macular degeneration) since it often affects aging adults. It is among the leading causes of vision loss in people 50 years and above. There are two types of macular degeneration: advanced neovascular and atrophic AMD.

Atrophic or Dry Macular Degeneration

Atrophic AMD is a condition where the macula thins as you age. Small clumps of drusen or protein deposits also begin to collect under your retina. The most common form of this condition is present in around 80 percent of persons with AMD. 

With atrophic AMD, loss of eyesight happens slowly in stages over several years. If it occurs in one eye, doctors can help protect the other from blindness. However, later stages have no treatment.

Advanced Neovascular Macular Degeneration

Atrophic AMD can lead to wet AMD, a late stage of the condition that is not as common. It involves abnormal growth of blood vessels at the rear of your eye, damaging the macula. Though treatment is available, this form of macular degeneration can quickly result in vision loss.

Causes of Macular Degeneration

Scientists around the world are not exactly sure what causes this disease. However, some factors can increase your risk of having the condition. Some of the unavoidable causes include:

Genetics

Macular degeneration is not entirely hereditary, though some factors may play a role. One crucial factor is being in a family with a medical history of AMD. If you are in this scenario, have regular eye exams to ensure the early detection and treatment of the disease. Race and eye color are other genetic aspects that can increase your risk of this condition. 

Macular degeneration is prevalent among Caucasians from all corners of the world. The conclusion is a result of its rarity in people of other races. Scientists believe that the pigment in your eyes’ tissues is a factor in AMD. People with darker eyes are at a lower risk of the disease than those with lighter eyes.

Health Conditions

Some of the health conditions that increase your risk of macular degeneration are:

Obesity

Despite obesity being dangerous to your overall health, being overweight puts you at risk of AMD. Obesity makes you prone to severe forms of illness. These include exudative macular degeneration and geographic atrophy. The reason for this is still a mystery to the medical fraternity.

Heart Diseases

Several cardiovascular illnesses increase your likelihood of developing AMD. There is also a link between vascular changes in your eyes and macular degeneration. The same modulations may also help doctors detect hypertension and heart disease early.

Lifestyle Considerations

Several lifestyle choices may increase your risk of developing AMD. Deficient diets, sun exposure, and smoking are some of the culprits. Antioxidants in your meals reduce oxidative damage; hence, the lack of antioxidants is one factor responsible for macular degeneration. Spending countless hours in the sun without protective eyewear also exacerbates the effects of 

AMD

For more about the main causes of macular degeneration, visit Hunter Family Vision at our office in Leawood or Prairie Village, Kansas. Call (913) 681-8555, (913) 381-2323, or (913) 204-0239 to book an appointment today.