The causes of AMD depend on whether it is dry or wet AMD. Dry AMD is an early stage of the disease and can result from the aging of macular tissues or the depositing of pigment in the macula. Wet macular degeneration causes new blood vessels to grow beneath the retina which leak blood and fluid. This leakage causes permanent damage to light-sensitive retinal cells, which then die off.  This creates blind spots in the central vision.
Age is one of the greatest risk factor for developing AMD, studies show that over 60s are at greater risk than any other age group. Other risk factors include:
 
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Race
  • Family history
  • Gender (women seem to be at greater risk)
 
There are steps you can take to help prevent developing macular degeneration including:
 
  • Eating a healthy diet full of leafy green vegetables and fish
  • Not smoking
  • Watching your weight and exercising regularly
  • Maintaining normal blood pressure
 
Click here to learn more about diagnosing macular degeneration

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