Smoking increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and doubles the chances of vision loss

Research has confirmed the harmful effects of smoking on eyesight, and consequently stopping smoking can reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration.

We already knew that smoking has detrimental effects on our health. Smoking also increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions including cataracts & macular degeneration.

Age-related macular degeneration or AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in seniors in developed countries. Smoking is known to double the risk of developing AMD.  Smoking increases free-radicals and causes harm to the retina and lens of the eye, increasing risk of macular degeneration and cataracts. Smokers tend to developed macular degeneration at earlier age than non-smokers.  Exposure to second-hand or passive smoking is almost as harmful as smoking yourself.

 

http://iospress.metapress.com/content/lk42305702256752/fulltext.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3009619/pdf/1471-2415-10-31.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21386905

– http://www.rnib.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/yoursight/smoking/Pages/smoking.aspx

– http://www.rnib.org.uk/getinvolved/campaign/yoursight/smoking/Pages/smoking_europe.asp