What Is The Main Cause of Macular Degeneration?

Effective Strategies for Preventing Macular Degeneration

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The macula, a little portion of the retina situated in the rear of the eye, it’s the area that is impacted by macular degeneration. Although the precise etiology of macular degeneration is unknown, there are a number of factors that could have a role in its onset.

The biggest risk factor for macular degeneration is age. As people get older, their likelihood of developing the illness rises, with people over 60 having the highest risk. Smoking, hereditary conditions, hypertension, obesity, and a diet heavy in saturated fats are additional risk factors.

Macular degeneration comes in two types: dry and wet.  The most prevalent type, dry macular degeneration, is thought to be brought on by an accumulation of waste products in the macula. On the other hand, wet macular degeneration is brought on by atypical blood vessels that develop beneath the retina and leak fluid, damaging the macula.

Although the precise origin of macular degeneration is unknown, reducing risk factors by leading a healthy lifestyle and quitting smoking will help minimize the likelihood of acquiring the condition. Regular eye exams are essential since early diagnosis and therapy can halt the spread of the condition.

Damage Caused by Smoking to the Macula

what is the main cause of macular degeneration

The macula can be harmed by smoking in a number of ways. First of all, smoking heightens oxidative stress, which can harm retinal cells—including those in the macula—by damaging them. Second, smoking may cause deposits to accumulate in the blood arteries that supply the retina, decreasing the amount of oxygen and nutrients reaching the macula. The macula may eventually deteriorate as a result of this.

A main cause of vision loss in older persons, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can also be accelerated by smoking. According to studies, smoking is a significant risk factor for AMD and increases the likelihood of developing the illness compared to non-smokers. In people who already have AMD, smoking may hasten the disease’s progression.

Quitting smoking is one of the most crucial things you can do to lower your risk of acquiring macular degeneration because it is a significant risk factor for the condition overall.

What happens to the macula in macular degeneration as we age?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease that develops as we get older and affects the macula, the area of the retina that is responsible for central vision. AMD comes in both dry and moist forms.

Drusen, which are microscopic deposits, build up in the macula in dry AMD. The macula may narrow and dry out as a result of these deposits, gradually impairing central vision. About 80–90% of all cases of AMD are dry AMD, making it the most prevalent kind of the disease

Wet AMD is characterized by the development of abnormal blood vessels beneath the macula that leaks fluid and blood, damaging the retina and resulting in the loss of central vision. Although wet AMD is less frequent than dry AMD, it can nevertheless result in a severe and fast loss of eyesight.

Regardless of the form of AMD, the macula degenerates, impairing central vision. People with AMD may struggle to read, identify faces, or have fuzzy or distorted vision. Legal blindness, which is defined as having a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the affected eye, can develop from AMD in specific circumstances.

It’s crucial to remember that not all changes to the macula caused by aging result in AMD, and not everyone who has AMD will lose a lot of vision. To help slow the course of the condition and maintain vision, regular eye exams are crucial for the early detection and treatment of AMD.

High Blood Pressure and Macular degeneration 

what is the main cause of macular degeneration

The development and progression of macular degeneration can be impacted by high blood pressure, sometimes referred to as hypertension, in a number of ways.

First of all, high blood pressure may damage the artery walls that supply the macula and retina as a whole. Over time, this damage may result in decreased blood supply to the macula and harm to the macular cells, both of which may aid in the progression of macular degeneration.

Second, high blood pressure can lead to a buildup of cholesterol and other chemicals in the blood vessel walls, which can make the blood vessels even more constrictive and lessen blood flow to the macula. The chance of acquiring macular degeneration may also rise as a result.

A more severe form of macular degeneration known as wet AMD, which is characterized by the formation of aberrant blood vessels under the retina, excessive blood pressure can further raise the risk of getting the condition. High blood pressure can aggravate fluid leakage from blood vessels, which can further harm the macula, as well as increase the likelihood that these aberrant blood vessels will grow.

In order to lower the risk of developing or worsening macular degeneration, it is crucial to maintain good blood pressure levels through regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and medication if necessary. To maintain the macula’s health and identify any early signs of macular degeneration, routine eye exams are crucial.

Obesity and Macular Degeneration

Obesity is a proven risk factor, especially in women, and can be the main cause of Macular Degeneration for the onset and progression of macular degeneration. Obesity is characterized by a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or greater, and it can have a variety of negative effects on eye and visual health.

Inflammation may contribute to macular degeneration as a result of obesity. Chronic low-grade inflammation, including in the eyes, is linked to obesity throughout the body. By harming retinal cells, especially those in the macula, inflammation can accelerate the onset of macular degeneration.

Through the emergence of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, obesity may also have an impact on macular degeneration. Obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, and both diseases can harm the blood vessels supplying the retina, resulting in decreased blood flow and macula damage.

Furthermore, obesity is linked to a higher chance of acquiring high blood pressure and high cholesterol, both of which can play a role in the onset of macular degeneration.

Overall, eating right and exercising regularly can help lower the risk of getting macular degeneration and other eye conditions. In order to help lower the chance of developing obesity-related eye disorders like macular degeneration, it’s crucial to engage with a healthcare professional to build a healthy lifestyle plan that includes frequent exercise and a balanced diet.

How saturated fats induce macular degeneration? 

How saturated fats induce macular degeneration

Further study is required to fully understand the mechanisms behind the link between saturated fats and macular degeneration. However, some research indicates that consuming a lot of saturated fats may increase your risk of macular degeneration.

Through stimulating levels of oxidative stress and inflammation, saturated fats may be a potential factor in the onset of macular degeneration. Saturated fats have the ability to cause the body to generate inflammatory chemicals, which can harm retinal cells, especially those in the macula. The onset and progression of macular degeneration may be accelerated by this injury.

In addition, consuming a lot of saturated fats may increase the chance of developing other diseases including high blood pressure and cholesterol, which are risk factors for macular degeneration.

It’s significant to remember that additional study is required to fully comprehend the connection between saturated fats and macular degeneration. But consuming a balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids may help lower the risk of macular degeneration and other eye conditions.

What is the main cause of wet macular degeneration?

The development of aberrant blood vessels beneath the retina at the back of the eye is the primary cause of wet macular degeneration. This condition is also referred to as choroidal neovascularization (CNV), and it develops when new blood vessels grow beneath the retina in the choroid layer. These blood vessels have the potential to leak fluid and blood, damaging the macula in the process. The macula is the area of the retina that controls central vision, therefore injury to this region may cause a loss of that vision, making it challenging to read, drive, or see fine details. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) can take one of two forms: dry or wet. Wet AMD is more serious than dry AMD.

Wet macular degeneration’s aberrant blood vessel growth is thought to be a result of the body’s attempt to repair retinal damage, however, its specific source is yet unknown. Angiogenesis, which is the process of creating new blood vessels, frequently takes place in reaction to damage or inflammation in the body. Blood vessels may expand in response to inflammation or other damage to the macula in wet macular degeneration. Wet macular degeneration risk may also be increased by variables like heredity, smoking, high blood pressure, and a diet deficient in antioxidants.

Summary of Main Cause of Macular Degeneration

Here are some key takeaways that may help to reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration:

Smoking

Putting an end to your smoking habit will greatly lower your risk of developing macular degeneration. Smoking is a key risk factor for the disease.

Eat a balanced diet

Fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids are all beneficial for lowering the incidence of macular degeneration.

Exercise frequently

Maintaining a healthy weight and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease, which is a risk factor for macular degeneration, can be accomplished through regular exercise.

Manage your blood pressure and cholesterol

Macular degeneration risk can be increased by high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, therefore it’s critical to control these diseases.

Wear sunglasses

Protecting the eyes from harm may be facilitated by using sunglasses that filter out UV and blue light.

Regularly visit an eye doctor

Early warning signals of macular degeneration and other eye problems can be found with regular eye exams.

Although taking these precautions won’t prevent macular degeneration, they may help to lower the risk and enhance general eye health.

FAQs for the Main Cause of Macular Degeneration

Which foods are best to avoid if you have macular degeneration?

Foods to stay away from if you have macular degeneration 

  • Trans-fat-containing processed foods.
  • Use safflower and maize oil, which are high in vitamin E, in place of tropical oils like palm oil.
  • Margarine, shortening made from vegetables, and lard.
  • Dairy products high in fat (moderate consumption of eggs is a beneficial source of nutrients for the eyes)
  • Fatty pork, lamb, and beef.

Can macular degeneration be stopped from progressing? 

There is currently no method to undo the harm caused by dry macular degeneration. But there are lots of clinical trials running right now. If your problem is identified early on, you can take action to slow down its growth by quitting smoking, taking vitamin supplements, and maintaining a nutritious diet.

Which vitamin is best for macular degeneration?

Specific vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, copper (cupric oxide), zinc, lutein, and zeaxanthin, may be beneficial for patients with intermediate age-related macular degeneration (AMD), as they can help lower the risk of vision loss from advanced age-related macular degeneration.

Does macular degeneration benefit from eye drops?

The center of vision can be damaged by the disorder known as age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although some people think eye drops might assist control the illness, there isn’t much evidence to back this up. Although AMD cannot be cured, it can be managed and the loss of eyesight can be delayed.

Can B12 treat macular aging?

A daily dose of folic acid and the vitamins B6 and B12 lowered the incidence of AMD by 40%, according to a randomized controlled experiment. Lower plasma folate and vitamin B12 concentrations have also been linked to an increased risk of AMD, according to reports.

Does coffee affect macular degeneration?

Overall, the research suggests that drinking coffee has both positive and negative impacts on your eyes. There are one or two conditions that could make you more susceptible to glaucoma, but they could also make you less susceptible to macular degeneration or dry eyes. 

How long does macular degeneration take to cause visual loss?

Dry AMD often progresses over several years, frequently within ten years, from the initial diagnosis to substantial vision loss. However, many AMD patients can significantly lower their risk of substantial vision loss and prolong their ability to see for many years with the appropriate treatment.

About the Author:
Dr Shaun Larsen

Dr Shaun Larsen

Dr. Shaun Larsen is an optometrist who specializes in low vision services and enhancing vision with contact lenses. He has a passion for making people's lives better by helping them see well enough to read, write, or drive again. He always keeps up with the latest technology so he can help people regain their independence.

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