Prevention of Blindness Society...

Emily Chew, M.D., an investigator at the National Eye Institute (NEI), outlined the following NEI findings for risk factors for macular degeneration:

Age – Age is the biggest risk factor. Over 70, one out of every three individuals has macular degeneration.

Gender – Women tend to be at a higher risk for AMD due to the fact that women live longer.

Cigarette Smoking – The more you smoke the greater the risk of AMD. People that smoke more than two packs per day are five times more likely to get AMD than lighter smokers.

Cholesterol – People that have elevated serum cholesterol levels have higher incidence of AMD than those with normal levels.

Estrogen – Estrogen use often decreases risk of AMD. No estrogen use increases AMD.

Dr. Chew hopes that at this time next year, more data will be available. She reiterated the sentiment of Dr. Garfinkel that whenever you hear of new treatments regarding AMD that you clarify it with your own physician or call the Information Office of the National Eye Institute - (301) 496-5248 for more information.