For years, Americans have been warned about the harmful effects cigarette smoking can have on the body. After all, smoking is responsible for one in three cancer-related deaths.
But did you know that smoking also increases your risk of developing Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of legal blindness in people over 50? In fact, cigarette smokers are two to four times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers.
"Smokers need to be aware of the full range of harmful side effects cigarette smoking can have on the body, including blindness," said Dr. Johanna M. Seddon, macular degeneration specialist, surgeon in ophthalmology and director of the epidemiology unit at Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary in Boston.
"Cigarette smoking is consistently associated with macular degeneration and cataracts, both leading causes of visual impairment around the world," said Dr. Seddon.
By the year 2020, AMD is expected to affect more than 5.5 million people in the United States. AMD is a degenerative disease that results in loss of central vision. Although there is no cure for AMD, there are treatments available, including photodynamic therapy, which may minimize the risk of vision loss.
A yearly, comprehensive eye exam is the first step in detecting and treating AMD. Research also shows it may be possible to prevent or delay the development of AMD by making simple lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a low-fat and low- cholesterol diet and by eating foods rich in vitamins and antioxidants.
AMD significantly impacts a person's quality of life, affecting his or her ability to do everyday tasks such as reading, driving, telling time, recognizing faces and even walking.
To learn more about AMD, call Lighthouse International's toll-free number at (800) 829-0500 or visit www.lighthouse.org. -NU |
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