Today, about 15 million Americans have age-related macular degeneration, which can lead to legal blindness. In fact, macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in people over age 60. Are you at risk?

Macular Degeneration Risk Factors:

These factors may increase your risk of developing macular degeneration. However, many people without these risk factors also develop macular degeneration. So taking action to maintain your eye health is still important for everyone.

• Presence of advanced macular degeneration in one eye: Almost half of people with advanced AMD in one eye will develop it in their other eye within 5 years

• Age: Risk increases with age, specifically over age 50

• Smoking: Smoking may increase your risk of macular degeneration

• Family history: People with a family history of macular degeneration are at higher risk

• Gender: Women appear to be at greater risk than men; however, many men also develop macular degeneration

• Race: Caucasians are much more likely to lose vision from macular degeneration than African Americans

• Blood pressure and cholesterol: High blood pressure and high cholesterol may increase your risk of macular degeneration

Visit your eye doctor regularly to monitor eye conditions, or immediately if you experience vision changes or eye irritation. Some eye care providers can only prescribe corrective eyeglasses, so you should see a medical eye doctor (also known as an ophthalmologist) for diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions. If you don't have an ophthalmologist, you can find one near you with the Eye Doctor Finder.