Macular Degeneration Causes

Macular degeneration is a condition that often strikes the elderly. This condition causes black spots to appear and float around in the field of vision, making it difficult to truly see anything in detail. There are two types of macular degeneration: wet and dry.

Causes of wet and dry macular degeneration

The cause of the dry version of macular degeneration is unknown. The cause of the wet type is technically leaking blood vessels, but what triggers the condition's development is still unknown. It is determined that the causes for both types of degeneration are likely linked to genetics and inherited traits.

What risk factors are beyond your control?

The largest risk for macular degeneration is advanced age. Race also influences the likelihood of development, but it is the most common among people of Caucasian descent. Skin tone increases your risk; those with lighter pigmentation are the most likely to develop the condition. Light eye color, as well, increases your risk of development. Eye issues like myopia also increases risk of development of macular degeneration. Lastly, women are more likely to suffer from this condition than men.

What risk factors are within your control?

Smoking largely increases your risk for developing this condition. Obesity, as it does with so many other conditions, raises your likelihood of development of macular degeneration. Sleep apnea, excessive exposure to sunlight and some medications all increase your risk of development.

Whereas the root cause of this condition remains unknown and the risk factors are often out of your hands, there are things you can do to protect yourself. Exercise, physical conditioning, sunglasses, no smoking and care about which medications you take can all help you avoid this degenerative condition.