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Macular Degeneration Causes
Macular Degeneration Causes
While we do not yet know the precise cause of macular degeneration, it appears genetic mutations can make people more susceptible to developing the condition. Other factors that increase your risk for macular degeneration include:
- Age: Age is the biggest risk factor, with patients more likely to get diagnosed with the condition after 60.
- Environment: Our bodies respond to oxygen by creating molecules called free radicals that can harm health over time. This process is called oxidative stress.
- Inflammation: Our immune system uses inflammation, or tissue swelling, to fight infection or other foreign substances. But an overactive response can cause inadvertent damage.
- Health measures: High blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking are potentially linked to macular degeneration.
We encourage anyone with these risk factors to contact us for an eye exam.