Macular Degeneration Risk Factors

The eye is a very complex organ, and given its complexities, its perhaps no wonder that it is subject to many different vision problems and adverse conditions. One such eye condition that needs to be taken seriously is macular degeneration. This eye disease is quite common people who are over 60, and there are many different causes of it that you should be made aware of. If not diagnosed and treated, it can lead to blurry vision, severe vision impairment, and even blindness.

At the Los Angeles eye surgery centers of Dr. David Parks, we can perform a comprehensive eye examination to check the condition of your eyes and determine if you have or are at risk of developing an adverse eye condition. Lets take a moment right now to look at the risk factors involved with macular degeneration.

One of the biggest risk factors is age. Its estimated that 10% of people between the ages of 66 and 74 have macular degeneration. From age 75 to 85, that number jumps up to 30%. Its for this reason that its important to visit your doctor or an eye care specialist to screen for
Los Angeles macular degeneration as you age.

Another big risk factor is a family history of macular degeneration. If you have had someone in your family who developed macular degeneration, your chances of developing it as you age are as high as 50%, much higher than those who do not have a family history of the condition. There are certain genes that may be highly associated with the eye condition.

Weve found that gender and ethnicity actually play into the possibility of developing macular degeneration. Women tend to be much more likely to develop the condition than men, and people of Caucasian descent are more likely to develop the condition than those of Asian, Latino, or African descent.

Finally, though there are more, we did want to highlight smoking as another major risk factor for macular degeneration. This is just another reason why you should quit.

To visit one of our facilities for an eye examination or for treatment of an eye condition, contact Los Angeles ophthalmologist Dr. David Parks today.