Macular degeneration

Causes & Prevention

Risk Factors and Prevention of Macular Degeneration

The risk factors for macular degeneration include:

  • Age
  • Cigarette Smoking
  • Early Menopause
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure) and/or cardiovascular disease

Causes of Macular Degeneration

To understand the causes of macular degeneration, you must know what the retina, macula, choroid, and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) are.

The Retina

The retina is the layer of tissue on the inside back wall of the eyeball.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

Second hand Smoke and Osteoporosis

Cigarette smoking causes heart disease, lung and esophageal cancer, and chronic lung disease. Several research studies have identified smoking as a risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fracture.