Risk Factors
Risk Factors for macular degeneration:
Increasing Age- As we age our risk of developing macular degeneration increases. Macular degeneration is most common in people over the age of 50.
Family History of macular degeneration- If someone in your family has/had macular degeneration, your odds of developing macular degeneration is higher.
Caucasian race- Macular degeneration is more common in whites than it is in other races, especially after age 75. However recently there have been increased numbers of people developing macular degeneration in all races.
Being Female- Women are more likely than men to develop macular degeneration.
Cigarette smoking- Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of developing macular degeneration.
Obesity- Being severely overweight increases the chance that early or intermediate macular degeneration will progress to the more severe form of the disease.
Diet- Not eating enough fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of developing macular degeneration.
High Blood Pressure- Diseases that affect the circulatory system, such as high blood pressure, heart trouble may increase the risk of macular degeneration.
High Cholesterol- An elevated cholesterol level in your blood is associated with an increase risk of macular degeneration.