Are You Aware of These Risk Factors for Macular Degeneration?
Every organ plays an essential role in your body. The macula is designed to facilitate detailed, clear, and central vision. However, aging comes with several health complications, including eye problems. For instance, macular degeneration is one of the critical causes of blurred or complete vision for adults. Individuals who have experienced macular degeneration San Antonio have reported mild vision loss in the early stages. If you are wondering what may make you more prone to the disease, here are some risk factors you should know.
Prolonged Sun Exposure
Even though the evidence is inconclusive, some research shows a link between macular denervation and eye damage due to ultraviolet and other light. The UV light may cause the formation of free radicals that can lead to lipid peroxidation protein modification. As a result, the ultraviolent can destroy the retina and increase the complication risk.
Diets
The way you live may increase your chances of getting macular degeneration. For instance, if you consume a diet containing high fat, cholesterol, and glycemic index, you are more prone to the disease. Moreover, macular degeneration is likely to occur if you eat food with low antioxidants and green leafy vegetables. You should avoid consuming food-rich high-glycemic indexes like bread, rice, and pasta because they quickly increase blood sugar.
Medications
In some cases, medications such as aspirin and some heart medicines like nitroglycerin can lead to macular degeneration. Alternatively, if you take drugs to decrease your blood pressure, you should know that you may be at risk of developing macular degeneration. The risks are substantially high if you take Loniten and Apresoline. Thus, you should consult your healthcare provider about the use of the drugs.
High Blood Pressure
Usually, macular degeneration and high blood pressure prevalence surge as you age. High blood pressure causes macular degeneration by damaging the retinal vessels or age-linked vascular dysfunction. As a result, narrowed retinal arteries from chronic hypertension can lead to upset vascular homeostasis or decreased choroidal blood flow of the retina, which causes geographic atrophy, a vital feature of wet macular degeneration.
Obesity
Individuals who are overweight with a BMI greater than 30 are more vulnerable to AMD. Some risks of obesity that may increase the possibility of AMD include diabetic retinopathy, retinal vein occlusions, vision loss due to stroke, and floppy eyelid syndrome. Moreover, obesity is one of the risk factors for causing the clouding of your eye’s natural lens.
Smoking
Smoking surges your likelihood of developing macular degeneration by approximately two to fivefold. Since your retina consumes high levels of oxygen, anything which interferes with the delivery of oxygen to the retina may cause vision complications. Smoking leads to oxidative damage that may contribute to the progression of macular degeneration.
When you have difficulties with your vision, carrying out your daily activities, such as driving, is complex. If you are suspicious of a potential eye problem, consult Alamo Eye Care, located in San Antonio and Austin, Texas. The institute comprises a team of eye physicians offering diagnosis and treatment for macular degeneration preventing vision impairment, led by Melanie Frogozo and Swati Kumar. Immediately you notice a vision concern, call their office or book an appointment online today.
