Macular Degeneration Risk Factors

Macular degeneration is a degenerative disease that affects the part of the eye called the macula, which is a small area in the retina at the back of the eye. The retina processes light into signals that are transmitted to the brain via the optic nerve. The macula part of the retina helps the eye to see details clearly, and when it is not functioning properly, vision can become blurry. Distortion and dark areas can also affect vision when the macula degenerates. The Mayo Clinic lists 10 risk factors that contribute to the development of macular degeneration.

Cardiovascular Diseases

A cardiovascular disease increases the risk of macular degeneration. These include stroke, high blood pressure, heart attack and coronary artery disease when accompanied by chest pain.

Low Nutrient Levels

When there are low levels of minerals like zinc in the bloodstream, there is an increased risk of macular degeneration. Low levels of antioxidant vitamins are also associated with an increased risk.

Eye Color

People who have eyes that are light in color are at greater risk of developing macular degeneration that people with dark-colored eyes.

Obesity

Severely overweight people who have macular degeneration have a higher risk of having the disease progress to a more severe form.

Smoking

Smoking cigarettes doubles the risk of developing macular degeneration.

Gender

Women have a greater risk of developing macular degeneration than men.

Race

The risk of macular degeneration is higher for Caucasians than for other groups.

Family History

Being related to someone with macular degeneration means there is an increased risk of developing macular degeneration. Some genes have been identified that are associated with macular degeneration.

Age

Aging increases the risk of macular degeneration. For people over age 60, macular degeneration is the leading cause of severe vision loss.

Sunlight

Sunlight includes a component with shorter wavelengths called ultraviolet light, and the retina is sensitive to light with shorter wavelengths. The Mayo Clinic notes the possibility that long-term exposure to ultraviolet light may increase the risk of macular degeneration, although this association has not yet been proven.