What Is Macular Degeneration and Who Is at Risk For It?

Everyone needs to have an eye exam every year to be tested and screened for various eye diseases. One of these is macular degeneration. This eye disease can be very serious and can cause you to lose almost all of your sight. It's most commonly found in our senior population. Schedule your next eye exam and be screened for macular degeneration.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

This is an eye disease that is generally age-related. It's most common in people 60 and older, though it may start before that. Sometimes called age-related macular degeneration, it often starts slowly and then gets worse as time goes on. This condition is may be caused by the macula inside the eye getting worn down due to over exposure to UV rays over time.
 

The macula is the central portion of the retina that is located in the back of the eye. When the macula starts to deteriorate, it greatly affects the central vision of the patient. It doesn't cause complete blindness, but it can cause a significant loss of vision. We don't yet know why the macula starts to break down with age.

Risk Factors of Macular Degeneration

It can't be predicted with certainty who will develop macular degeneration, but several risk factors can make patients more likely to develop it. Caucasians get this eye disease more than other people. There is a genetic component to it that makes it occur more in people with a history of it in their families.
 

As people get older, their chances of developing this eye disease go up. It's most often found in people over 60. If you have a cardiovascular disease or are a smoker, these can increase your risk. It's also more common in people who have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and who are obese.

Get Professional Senior Eye Care in Baton Rouge, LA

It's important to have your eye care appointment every year to check for serious problems like macular degeneration. If you're in Baton Rouge, call TRIO Eyecare today at (225) 757-0505 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.