February is Macular Degeneration Awareness Month

Here is important information about macular degeneration, which is known as the number one cause of irreversible blindness and visual impairment in the older population.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is one of the most common blinding conditions around the world. Here are the known statistics:

Globally, about 200 million people have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and this number is expected to increase to 288 million by 2040. In the United States, nearly 20 million adults have AMD. 

Macular degeneration can cause loss of central vision and inability to read, see faces, or drive. Though, there are many risk factors for AMD, some modifiable and some not.

The top 10 risk factors for macular degeneration include:

Age > 70

Family history of AMD

Genetic variants

Smoking

Females more than males

A diet poor in select nutrients

Obesity with Body Mass Index (BMI) > 30

Hypertension

Lack of exercise

High-fat diet

Of the risk factors listed above, 6 are under your control.  Follow the Mediterranean Diet, Exercise (walk around the block 2-3 times a week), keep your blood pressure under control, and watch your weight.