Possibility of blindness due to retinal damage increases with age. Retinal damage associated with the age also known as macular degeneration. But in addition to age, sex factors apparently also played a role in this regard.
"Women are more prone to macular degeneration," said Dr. Elvioza, SPM, from the Division of Vitreo-Retina Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM) in a media briefing in Jakarta, Thursday (08/01/2013).
He said, though did not show a causal relationship between the two, but the incidence of macular degeneration in women more than men. This is what makes the experts conclude, women are more vulnerable experience.
Once traced, he added, women are more prone to macular degeneration due to hormonal changes in women weighing more powerful men. Especially, for women towards menopause phase, namely the cessation of the menstrual cycle. Menopause typically occurs in women aged 50-60 years.
"Menopausal women are usually susceptible to certain diseases, such as coronary heart disease, and other vascular disorders. So do not be surprised if more are also susceptible to macular degeneration," said a doctor who also practiced at the Jakarta Eye Center.
Macular degeneration is also indirectly influenced by the health of blood vessels. Good blood flow to the eye area will maintain retinal function remained good. Conversely, if there is a blockage of the flow, there will be bleeding and damage to the retina.
To avoid this, Elvioza advised to minimize the risk factors for this disease. "Gender, heredity and age are factors that can not be avoided, but there are also risk factors that we can change," he said.
Risk factors that can still be modified, added, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, obesity, and unhealthy eating. Principle, by minimizing risk factors, the probability of developing the disease are also getting smaller.
In addition, it is also important to keep the effort to protect themselves from exposure, such as wearing protective glasses every being in the sun.
