Who Is At Risk For Age-Related Macular Degeneration?

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, age-related macular degeneration, or AMD, is one of the leading causes of severe vision loss for those who are over the age of 65. Patients lose their central vision while their peripheral vision remains relatively normal. Let’s find out who is at risk for age-related macular degeneration.

Wet vs Dry AMD

Dry age-related macular degeneration is more common than wet, and this type is slow to develop. You may not even know you have it, it is so subtle at first. Eventually, your vision will become blurry and you will notice less detail in your central vision and colors will look less bright.

With wet age-related macular degeneration, fluid leaks from the eye’s blood vessels. This type develops rapidly, and you have severe vision loss with total loss of your central vision.

It is essential to have routine eye examinations with Hecht Eye Institute to recognize this eye disease and work to reduce its symptoms.

Who Is At Risk For AMD?

As with many other disorders and diseases, family history is a major risk for AMD. Tell Hecht Eye Institute if you have a relative who had or has AMD.

Some other risk factors for AMD include the following:

• Females are more at risk simply because they live longer than men
• Smoking is a major risk factor
• High blood pressure
• Being overweight or obese
• If you spend a lot of time in the sun without eye protection
• If you are farsighted
• Having a light-colored iris
• High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP)

Of course, you can do little about your heredity, but you can make some changes regarding lifestyle, losing weight, and getting your blood pressure under control. Last but certainly not least, stop smoking. 

Ways To Lower Your Risk Of Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Start by consuming a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables. Rather than supplements, eat foods rich in lutein, dark leafy greens, and fish. Limit your consumption of red meat.

Reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise. Wear sunglasses and a hat at all times while you are outside, and have regular eye checkups.