Ophthalmology Services
Age-related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration usually occurs in people who are age 50 and older. As people get older, the risk increases. Other risk factors include the following:
- Smoking. Research shows that smoking increases the risk of AMD two-fold.
- Race. Caucasians are much more likely to get AMD than people of African descent.
- Family history. People with a family history of AMD are at higher risk.
Cataract
The risk of cataract increases as you get older. Other risk factors for cataract include:
- Certain diseases such as diabetes
- Personal behavior such as smoking and alcohol use
- The environment such as prolonged exposure to sunlight
Dry Eye
Diabetic Eye Disease
- All people with diabetes - both type 1 and type 2 - are at risk
- During pregnancy, diabetic retinopathy may be a problem for women with diabetes
- The longer a person has diabetes, the greater his/her chance of developing diabetic retinopathy
More About Diabetic Eye Disease
Floaters
Floaters are little"cobwebs" or specks that float about in your field of vision. Those who experience a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light in peripheral vision, or a loss of peripheral vision should have an eye care professional examine their eyes as soon as possible.
Glaucoma
Anyone can develop glaucoma. Some people, listed below, are at higher risk than others:
- African Americans over age 40
- Everyone over age 60, especially Mexican Americans
- People with a family history of glaucoma
