Age-related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) affects around 11 million Americans. This condition leads to progressive irreversible central vision loss. Certain patient groups are more at risk that others.
Age
. As the name "age-related" implies, macular degeneration is more likely to occur as one ages. Macular degeneration typically occurs when patients are 60 years old or older, but can affect younger patients occur as well. For patients in their 80s and 90s, macular degeneration is more prevalent.
Race.
Caucasian patients are more likely to suffer from macular degeneration than Hispanic, Asian, and African American populations.
Genetics.
Patients who have relatives affected by macular degeneration are at greater risk for the condition. Macular degeneration affects females mildly more than males. This may be due to higher life spans for females.
Smoking.
Patients who smoke are at greater risk of macular degeneration. Smoking damages small blood vessels. Our retina uses these small blood vessels to remove waste products from our cells. When smoking damages these vessels, cellular waste accumulates. Over time, this accumulation distorts the contour of the macula.
As macular degeneration progresses, patients may noticed curved distortions in their vision. In severe cases, patients may lose most of their central vision, making activities like reading and driving difficult to impossible.
Advanced Eye Care and Surgery Center helps patients by detecting and managing macular degeneration. In early cases, patients may not be aware their eyes have damage; annual eye exams are important, especially for patients with these risk factors. Call 419-521-3937 to get started today.
