Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Managing your Risk
When you hear the term “age-related macular degeneration,” there is a clear perception of a later-in-life type of scenario. Indeed, of the more than 200,000 cases expedited this year, a large majority of patients will be over the age of 50. Age aside, because macular degeneration can slowly steal your sight, it pays to learn about risks and rewards.
The risks of age-related macular degeneration may seem beyond your control. Research indicates that there are genetic factors that may predispose certain people to this condition. But that isn’t the end of the story. Recently, studies related to macular degeneration in women have revealed that there may be ways to mitigate the genetic risk.
Learning from Research
The study, funded by the National Eye Institute, observed women between that ages of 50 and 79 who had taken part in the much wider Women’s Health Initiative, conducted from 1991 onward. What researchers discovered by reviewing medical data on these 300+ women was that, as much as their genetic risk, their lifestyle habits also affected their risk for age-related macular degeneration. Specifically, the risk quadrupled for women who:
- Were not very physically active
- Smoked daily for at least 7 years (a pack a day)
- Did not consume much, if any, fruits or vegetables
- Carried more than one predisposing gene for age-related macular degeneration
The observational study led researchers to conclude that genetic makeup was only one factor in a woman’s risk for AMD and that this risk could be offset to some degree when nutrition and lifestyle factors leaned toward health and wellness.
Are you Predisposed?
If you have a parent or other close family member who is or was affected by age-related macular degeneration, there is one crucial step you can take to protect the future of your vision: don’t smoke. This may, perhaps, be one of the most significant factors in age-related macular degeneration, aside from age. Additional steps that can be taken include adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, especially leafy greens, to your diet, and exercising regularly. According to the above-mentioned study, rigorous exercise is not necessary. The risk is reduced in individuals who get several days of light activity each week.
Would you like a full eye exam to assess your overall eye health? Call our Reading or Melrose office for your appointment.
