| ar Degeneration is an eye disease that affects | | | | is believed to have a significant impact on its |
| the macula, located towards the back of the eye, | | | | development. If you smoke you can add reducing |
| along the retina. The macula is the part of the | | | | the risk of developing Macular Degeneration to the |
| eye that is responsible for processing light in order | | | | list of reasons why you should quit – now! |
| to generate sharp, detailed and clear images that | | | | Age is a factor in Macular Degeneration, too. |
| are then sent to the brain. Macular Degeneration | | | | Rarely is this disease diagnosed in persons under |
| typically does not appear until age 40, and | | | | the age of 40. The older a person gets, the |
| Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMG) typically | | | | greater the chances become that he or she will |
| develops in people aged 55 and older. | | | | begin to develop symptoms of this eye disease. |
| Hereditary and Age Appear to be Main Causes | | | | Gender is thought to be a factor as well, with |
| Because of its prevalence among family | | | | females being at greater risk than men. Race |
| members, it is believed that genetics play a major | | | | plays a role too, with Caucasians being affected |
| role in the development of Macular Degeneration. | | | | much more than African Americans. |
| Genetics also plays a role in AMG; however with | | | | More studies are being conducted to determine |
| AMG the simple aging process seems to be the | | | | whether a person’s diet can increase the |
| bigger contributing factor. | | | | risks. Early results seem to be suggesting a |
| To date, scientists have identified the gene they | | | | connection to the onset of Macular Degeneration |
| believe plays a significant role in the development | | | | and an increased intake of saturated fats/high |
| of Macular Degeneration. This gene is called | | | | cholesterol levels. A decrease in antioxidant levels |
| complement factor H (CFH). In addition to this | | | | is cause for concern too. Antioxidants, found in |
| gene, a gene on chromosome 10 called PLEKAH1 | | | | fruits and vegetables, help prevent cells from |
| is also suspect. Much more study is required to | | | | oxidizing, a process that leads to their ultimate |
| fully understand the roles these two suspect | | | | destruction. |
| genes play in this eye disease that today strikes | | | | Studies are also being conducted to see whether |
| 10 million people aged 40 and over. | | | | exercise can reduce the risks of developing |
| In the rare cases in which Macular Degeneration | | | | Macular Degeneration. There is belief that keeping |
| strikes younger individuals, it is believed that | | | | blood pressure within “normal” |
| something other than genetics or age leads to a | | | | ranges will reduce the risks associated with AMG. |
| build-up of abnormal blood vessels behind the | | | | Exercise combined with diet is a great way to |
| retina. Myopia and infection are being studied as | | | | regulate blood pressure. |
| the causes in these cases. | | | | One final area being studied is the impact of direct |
| Other Causes Being Investigated | | | | sunlight. However, instead of waiting for results |
| Several risk factors have also been associated | | | | just put on a pair of sunglasses! |
| with the onset of Macular Degeneration. Smoking | | | | |