Did you know that long-term exposure to the sun without eye protection is a risk factor for Macular Degeneration? Other controllable factors are: smoking, being overweight and having unchecked cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure. Uncontrollable risk factors are: family history, light colored irises, far sightedness, high levels of C-reactive protein and being female. While Macular Degeneration is currently considered an uncurable, but you can reduce your risk and slow the progression. See the American Macular Degeneration website for more information.