Am I at Risk of Getting Macular Degeneration?

Exact causes of age-related macular degeneration are not clearly understood. Causes are likely to be genetically inherited, but environmental factors may also contribute.  Research studies have shown the following risk factors for development of AMD.

• Age: The likelihood of developing macular degeneration increases with age.
• Family history is perhaps the most important risk factor other than age.
• Race: Macular degeneration is more common in Caucasians (whites) but occurs in all races.
• Pigmentation: Macular degeneration is more common in fair skinned or more lightly pigmented people.
• Eye color: People with a more lightly colored iris are more susceptible to develop AMD.
• Gender: Women seem to be at greater risk.
• Smoking is a well-established risk factor for both forms of macular degeneration.
• Obesity
• Sleep apnea also may be associated with macular degeneration.
• Exposure to sunlight: Those with lifelong outdoor careers, as well as those living near the equator or at high altitudes are at greater risk.
• Medications: Some medications like Fosamax for osteoporosis may predispose to macular degeneration.
• High degrees of myopia may be associated with age-related macular degeneration or a similar condition called myopic degeneration.