Risk Factors for Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Eyesight is one of the things that progressively deteriorates as everyone gets older. Your parents likely have a pair of readers or corrective lenses to help them see throughout the day. Regular yearly trips to the optometrist can help, but what happens if your vision loss results from something else? 

Age-related macular degeneration is the deterioration of the macula or the central part of the retina. You can lose your vision as this nerve tissue loses its effectiveness over time. But what are some of the risk factors for age-related macular degeneration? 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Risk Factors

There are numerous risk factors associated with age-related macular degeneration. We will discuss a few of these here: 

• Age: This is the obvious barometer for detecting vision problems. Age-related macular degeneration is common for those over the age of 60, according to the Mayo Clinic. A skilled optometrist will seek out deposits in your eyes called drusen. The small, yellow deposits are a hallmark of the disease in older adults. They can also be a key indicator of which version of the disease you may have: wet or dry. 
• Poor diet: The researchers at Johns Hopkins have determined that high-fat diets are a determining risk factor for age-related macular degeneration. Eating healthy foods can help reduce your risk. That poor diet also goes hand-in-hand with another risk factor – high cholesterol. 
• Genetics: Sometimes, the hand you get dealt in life is determined before birth. WebMD cites genetics as another risk factor for this disease, so it is best to check the family tree to locate any diagnosed family members. Any other family members with the disease can also tell you what to look out for and what to expect in your treatment.

Get Your Consultation Today!

Detroit, Michigan’s own Wilkinson Eye Clinic can help diagnose and treat age-related macular degeneration. Our staff has decades of experience helping anyone with yearly eye exams, overall eye care, and any type of diagnosis. Reach out to us at 248-334-4931 to schedule a consultation or an appointment for more information. We look forward to hearing from you soon.