Macular Degeneration
The exact causes of age-related macular degeneration are unknown. The dry form of age-related macular degeneration may result from:
- Aging and thinning of macular tissues
- Depositing of pigment in the macula, or
- A combination of the two processes
With wet AMD, new blood vessels grow beneath the retina and leak blood and fluid. This causes retinal cells to die, creating blind spots in central vision. Other risk factors for AMD include:
- A family member with AMD
- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Lighter eye color
- Farsightedness, and
- Obesity
Some researchers believe that overexposure to sun also may contribute to the development of AMD; however, this theory has not been proven conclusively. High levels of dietary fat also may be a risk factor for developing macular degeneration.
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