Blindness Threat From Macular Degeneration Declines in U.S

The number of Americans with macular degeneration fell 30 percent in about two decades," according to a study published in the January issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology, reducing the threat from the leading cause of blindness among the elderly. 
The study's results are unexpected, given the fact that the population as a whole is aging. However, reductions in smoking and blood pressure, key risks for the condition, and increased use of antioxidant vitamins that keep the disease at bay may account for the decline, the study authors explained.
The findings were unexpected, as previous work suggested the aging population would drive up rates of the condition, known as AMD, said researchers led by Ronald Klein from the University of Wisconsin’s department of ophthalmology in Madison. Reductions in smoking and blood pressure, key risks for the condition, and increased use of antioxidant vitamins that keep the disease at bay may account for the decline...

Posted in: Macular Degeneration