Smoking May Damage your Eyesight

Smokers are up to four times more likely to go blind in old age, according to research. Studies show that smoking increases risk of developing Macular Degeneration in seniors. Macular Degeneration relates to any kind of degeneration of the macula of the eye. The macula of the eye is the central portion of the retina and is responsible for focusing central vision in the eye. The deterioration of the macula is caused by malfunctioning cone cells in the retina.

Risks of developing blindness related disorders among the elderly are very much increased, almost doubled, by smoking. The researchers state that those who smoked early in life are more likely to get Age-related Macular Degeneration that those who never smoked.

If you are a smoker not only is your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) greater, but also the risk of existing AMD progressing faster is also higher if you smoke. This is according to an article published in Archives of Ophthalmology (JAMA/Archives).

Fish Improves eyesight in smokers

The Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston found that eating fish on a regular basis lower the risks of developing serious eye diseases. Elder people that eat fish regularly, two or more servings weekly, lessen their chances of developing eye conditions.

The study carried out in Boston and published in Archives of Ophthalmology concluded that about ” a third of the risk of (the disease) … could be attributable to cigarette smoking, and about a fifth of the cases were estimated as preventable with higher fish and omega-3 fatty acid dietary intake,” informs Reuters.

One Response to “Smoking May Damage your Eyesight”

  1. david Says:
    April 14th, 2008 at 2:29 pm

    hi I’m David I had csttarack surgery on my eye when I was 6th monthes old and I smoke about 2paks of ciggrets a week can u please tell me how its bad 4 ur eyes and help me out

    Thank you.

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