What Causes Age-Related Macular Degeneration?
No one knows exactly what causes ARMD. It may happen when the retina receives fewer nutrients (substances needed for growth). Decreased nutrients cause the supporting tissues of the retina to break down and waste material to accumulate. These lead to formation of drusen under the retina. The light-sensitive cells of the eyes are then affected, which causes blurring in the center part of your sight. What increases the risk of getting age-related macular degeneration? The risk of having ARMD increases as you get older, and is higher in women than men. Having ARMD in one eye also puts you at a higher risk of developing ARMD in the other eye. The following factors may also increase your chance of having ARMD or of ARMD becoming worse: • Frequent exposure of the eyes to sunlight. • Having pale or sun-sensitive skin. • Having other family members with ARMD. • Hypertension (high blood pressure). • Smoking. • Weighing more than what your caregiver recommends. What are the signs and symptoms of
• The cause is unknown, although aging is clearly a risk factor. Some evidence of age-related macular degeneration can be detected in approximately one-quarter of all people over the age of 65 and in one-third of those over age 80. • Other risk factors include hyperopia (farsightedness), cigarette smoking, light-colored eyes, and a family history of age-related macular degeneration. High blood pressure, lifetime sunlight exposure, dietary factors, and genetic susceptibility may increase the risk for the wet form of age-related macular degeneration. Prevention of Age-Related Macular Degeneration • Daily ingestion of high-dose micronutrient supplements that contain vitamins C, E, beta carotene, zinc, and copper can reduce the frequency at which patients with earlier dry forms of age-related macular degeneration may progress to the vision-involving forms of advanced disease. • Avoidance of smoking and treatment of hypertension might help prevent the disorder. Diagnosis of Age-Related Macu
