Avoidable Macular Degeneration Risk Factors
A Boston study shows higher
incidence of macular degeneration was due to
specific lifestyles.
 Boston, Mass. ~
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a
leading cause of visual impairment. As a
macular degeneration sufferer, imagine having
information that making a few changes in your
lifestyle could slow or eliminate the progression of
the destructive eye disease. If you're obese
or you smoke, here are study results that can affect
your vision's future.
Doctors at
Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston,
released data on a study that monitored about 1,500
patients with and without age related macular
degeneration. The multi-year study found that
patients who smoked were 22.47 times more likely to
develop AMD. Obesity in these same individuals
multiplied the risk of AMD development.
The study suggests that individuals with a history
of obesity and/or
smoking would be well advised to change these
habits or risk the likelihood of some form of
macular degeneration as they age.
Regular,
dilated eye exams to evaluate the
retina and
macula health are highly recommended for
individuals who smoke or are considered obese.
More info on obesity and eye
health
More info on smoking and
macular degeneration
ref: Review of Ophthalmology |
