A new Voices of UMass Chan podcast episode featuring ophthalmology expert Johanna M. Seddon, MD, focuses on the causes of and risk factors for macular degeneration, the leading cause of visual impairment and blindness in people over 65. There is no cure.
“The earliest stages can occur in as many as 25 or 30 percent of individuals over the age of 75,” said Dr. Seddon, professor of ophthalmology & visual sciences.
Macular degeneration impacts the central part of the retina, called the macula, which allows you to see fine details directly in front of you. Risk factors include age, obesity, gender and smoking. Family history is also a risk factor.
Seddon also details how eating certain foods, such as leafy green vegetables, has been shown to reduce the risk of the disease.
Listen to the full Voices of UMass Chan podcast episode at umassmed.edu/news/voices. Subscribe through SoundCloud, Apple Podcast, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts.
