Is there any connection between macular degeneration and high eye pressure?
In answering this question, one must consider two main types of pressure: intraocular pressure, meaning the fluid pressure within the eye itself and systemic blood pressure, the pressure within the blood vessels of the body. Concerning elevated intraocular pressure, there does not appear to be a connection between high intraocular pressure and development of macular degeneration. However, elevated intraocular pressure is a significant risk factor for development of other eye diseases such as glaucoma. On the other hand, there does appear to be a connection between high systemic blood pressure and an increased risk of developing macular degeneration. Information concerning other risk factors associated with macular degeneration can be found at http://www.ahaf.org/macular/about/risk.
