What causes macular degeneration?
Like virtually every degenerative disease of the body, reactive molecules known as “free radicals” are likely the root cause of macular degeneration. Hereditary, dietary and lifestyle factors determine how well any individual is able to control these free radicals and where they will do the most damage. Diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis may accelerate the process. Younger patients can also develop macular degeneration. These non-age related cases also may be linked to heredity, diabetes, nutritional deficits, injury, infection, or other factors such as excess exposure to sunlight. Scientists are undertaking the basic research necessary to determine the causes of these disorders. Finding the cause is the first important step toward prevention and cure. The following are NOT known to be linked to macular degeneration: • floaters (moving spots caused by debris floating in the vitreous fluid between the lens and the retina) • dry eye syndrome • cataracts – Cataract surgery, due
Besides age, and a family history of drusen, there are several characteristics that many people with macular degeneration seem to have in common. These include family history, smoking, or having blue or light colored eyes. Although seen as common factors in people with macular degeneration, it is not specifically known to what degree these characteristics actually increase one’s risk for developing macular degeneration. There are also some animal studies that suggest exposure to Ultraviolet light can damage the retina causing drusen. (Back to top.
Macular degeneration is most commonly a natural result of the aging process. With time, the retinal tissues break down and become thin, and cause a loss of function of the macula. The most notable symptom is blurry or distorted central vision. Difficulty in reading, doing close work, or driving may also be noticed. A person with macular degeneration may experience blurry words on a page, distortion of the center of the scene, a dark or empty area in the center of vision, the distortion of lines, or a dimming of color vision.
