Risk factors Flashcards
1
Q
What are the risk factors of developing AMD?
A
- Age
- Genetics
- Smoking
- Diet
- Blood pressure
- Gender
2
Q
Why is smoking a risk factor of developing AMD?
A
- Smoking damages the blood vessels and the structure of the eye
- Smoking can constrict the blood vessels which can cut off the supply of blood to the eye
- The retina has a high rate of oxygen consumption so anything which affects the oxygen delivery to the retina may affect vision, smoking causes oxidative damage
3
Q
What is age a risk factor of developing AMD?
A
- As people get older the macula tends to become thinner and damaged
- The damaged macula can cause vision loss
- As people get older cell regeneration reduces which increases the risk of developing AMD
4
Q
Why is diet a risk factor of developing AMD?
A
- A high fat diet can alter the retinal genes
- A poor diet in fruit and vegetables increase the risk of AMD
- Diets which contain high fat, cholesterol and low in antioxidants are more likely to develop AMD
- High-glycemic index foods such as rice, pasta raise the blood sugar rapidly whereas low-glycemic food such as whole grain brads or oatmeal can lower the risk of AMD by stabilising blood sugar levels
5
Q
Why is gender a risk factor of developing AMD?
A
- Females are more likely to live longer than males which gives females more time to develop AMD due to their age
