New research suggests living in a city with poor air quality increases your chance of developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)-a leading cause of blindness. The study, published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, found that residents of highly polluted areas were at least 8% more likely to be diagnosed with AMD than residents of less polluted areas. AMD develops when the macula, the part of the eye responsible for central vision, is damaged.
How Does Air Pollution Cause Eye Problems?
We do not know the exact mechanism of how air pollution increases AMD risk but we do know that increased inflammation can increase risk of dry macular degeneration, and pollutants increase inflammatory responses.
How Does Air Pollution Cause Eye Problems?
We do not know the exact mechanism of how air pollution increases AMD risk but we do know that increased inflammation can increase risk of dry macular degeneration, and pollutants increase inflammatory responses.
During the early phases of AMD, people often notice no changes to their vision. Because of this, getting your eyes checked regularly is critical. When they do occur, symptoms of AMD may include loss of central vision, blurry vision or seeing "wavy" lines.
Lower Your Risk of Vision Loss From Macular Degeneration
While some factors may be out of your control, there are several lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk of vision loss from AMD. These healthy habits include not smoking, eating an eye-healthy diet and exercising regularly. Genetics can contribute to almost half the risk of macular degeneration in some people. Treatments for eye diseases like wet AMD are most effective with an early diagnosis. Make sure you get regular comprehensive eye exams to lower your risk of vision loss.
If you or someone you know is over 50 and needs a comprehensive eye exam please call us at D’Ambrosio Eye Care at 800-325-3937, visit D’Ambrosio Eye Care, or Facebook so that we can help.
D'Ambrosio Eye Care provides eye care for patients throughout greater Boston, central and western Massachusetts with office locations at 479 Old Union Turnpike, Lancaster, Massachusetts 01523, 865 Merriam Avenue, Suite 119, Leominster, Massachusetts 01453, 100 Powder Mill Road, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, 413 Main Street, Athol, Massachusetts 01331, 74 Main Street, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440 and 255 Park Avenue, Suite 606, Worcester, Massachusetts 01609.
