Macular Degeneration and Women

Ask an Eye M.D. Answer Archive

Question:
Are women more prone to developing macular degeneration than men?    

Answer:
Macular degeneration is more likely to occur in people 50 years of age and older, hence the name age-related macular degeneration. Other important risk factors include smoking and race, with Caucasians more likely to get the disease than people of African descent. People with a family history of age-related macular degeneration are also more prone to the condition. Macular degeneration is common in men and women. Some studies have suggested that some forms of macular degeneration may be more common in women, but the risk factors of age, smoking, race, and family history are far more important.

Answered by: David K. Coats, MD

Categories: Eye Diseases

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