Because macular degeneration is so prevalent among older adults, numerous studies are being conducted to determine if the disease can be prevented.

A number of factors are known to increase the risk of developing macular degeneration. These "risk factors" are: age, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, elevated serum lipids, and exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Some of these factors are within an individualÕs control and can be modified through changes in behavior.

The following factors may increase your risk for developing age-related macular degeneration:

• age

• family history of the disease

• smoking

• history of cardiovascular disease

• elevated serum lipids

• exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light

The rate of macular degeneration in the population clearly increases with age. By age 75, the odds of having this condition are greater than 1 in 3.

If your parent or sibling has macular degeneration, you have an increased risk of developing the disease yourself.

Smoking has been identified as a strong risk factor for macular degeneration in many studies. It is particularly important for people with macular degeneration to try to stop smoking in order to protect their vision and to improve their overall health.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease may place additional stress on the blood vessels of the eye which could accelerate the development of macular degeneration and visual loss. Elevated serum lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) have been associated with an increased risk of macular degeneration. If you have any of these conditions, it is important to follow your doctorÕs recommendations for diet and medication.

Excessive exposure of the eyes to sunlight, particularly the blue and ultraviolet wavelengths, is considered to be a risk factor for macular degeneration. Use sunglasses and hats to protect yourself from over-exposure to sunlight.

The role of nutrition in the development of macular degeneration is of great interest to patients and researchers. Although dietary supplements have not yet been shown to prevent or reduce the severity of the disease, they are being investigated in a number of studies.

Some of the nutrients being studied are :

• antioxidants & carotenoids

• zinc

• L-Glutathione

• selenium

• copper

• vitamin A (Beta Carotene)

• leutein

• zeaxanthin

• vitamin C

• vitamin E

Research has shown that patients who eat diets high in spinach or collard greens are less likely to develop macular degeneration. These and other green leafy vegetables (kale, mustard greens, and turnip greens) are excellent sources of lutein and zeaxanthin, both important macular pigments.

Some people with macular degeneration have diets deficient in the mineral zinc. Zinc is found naturally in shellfish, fish, meat, oatmeal, beans, and dried peas. Scientific studies investigating the role of zinc supplements in macular degeneration have been contradictory thus far.

Since no study to date that has clearly shown that taking supplemental vitamins and antioxidants will prevent or treat macular degeneration, most doctors simply recommend a well-balanced diet, possibly with a multivitamin and/or antioxidant supplement.

Several substances such as bilberry, ginkgo biloba, bioflavinoids, and shark cartilage have received attention in the popular media. There is no good scientific evidence supporting effectiveness of these remedies in preventing or treating macular degeneration