Causes And Risk Factors - Age Related Macular Degeneration Amd: Eye Care

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Causes and risk factors

The causes of AMD are not well understood. Scientists don't know exactly why the macula deteriorates. But they do know that certain factors can increase your risk of developing AMD. Aging itself is a major risk factor: People in their fifties have only a 2% chance of developing AMD, yet that risk jumps to 30% in those older than 75. Women (who tend to live longer than men) get the disorder more often, as do people with a family history of the disease.

Other factors that increase your risk include cigarette smoking, exposure to bright sunlight and UV radiation, light-colored eyes, farsightedness, hypertension, high cholesterol, and coronary artery disease.

Some researchers believe that deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals may leave people more vulnerable to AMD. For example, studies have suggested that people have a higher risk for AMD if they do not consume enough of the following nutrients: the antioxidant vitamins C and E; the mineral zinc, which exists in trace amounts in the body but is concentrated in the eye; and the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin, which are the dominant pigments in the macula. But while vitamin supplementation can slow the progress of AMD once it is diagnosed, so far, studies have not shown that taking vitamin supplements will help prevent AMD.

Ongoing research continues to focus on causes — such as hereditary factors, diet, and environmental conditions — with the hope of ultimately preventing AMD.

Last updated:	June 19, 2007