Risk factors for macular degeneration

Inflammation is also a risk factor for macular degeneration. This should not be a surprise since other chronic conditions are also inflammatory driven.

The etiology of age-related macular degeneration is not fully understood. However, a lot of evidence indicates the association of CRP (an inflammatory marker) in the development of macular degeneration (Colak E, et al. 2012).

Inflammation and CRP are involved in endothelial dysfunction, oxidative stress and production of reactive oxygen species in patients with macular degeneration.

It’s not only CRP that is involved, but also IL-6, which is another marker of inflammation (Seddon JM, et al. 2005).

The first thing you should do to help prevent macular degeneration is to make changes to your diet because that can be a very effective strategy to reduce inflammation.

A high nutrient, low glycemic index diet, preferably plant based, is your best choice.

Learn to Eat:

Recommendations that work. This is not a regular diet program.

Colak E¹, Majkic-Singh N, Zoric L, Radosavljevic A, Kosanovic-Jakovic N. The role of CRP and inflammation in the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration. Biochem Med (Zagreb). 2012;22(1):39-48.

Seddon JM¹, George S, Rosner B, Rifai N. Progression of age-related macular degeneration: prospective assessment of C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, and other cardiovascular biomarkers. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005 Jun;123(6):774-82.