Vision Loss, Blindness, and Smoking

Expires on 05/21/2043

Description (Related:1)

(Source:CDC) Smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body. If you smoke, you can develop serious eye conditions that can cause vision loss or blindness. Two of the greatest threats to your eyesight are:

1. Macular degeneration
2. Cataracts

Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is an eye disease that affects central vision. You need central vision to see objects clearly and for common tasks such as reading, recognizing faces, and driving.

There are two forms of AMD: dry AMD and wet AMD. Macular degeneration always begins in the dry form, and sometimes progresses to the more advanced wet form, where vision loss can be very rapid if untreated.

Cataracts cause blurry vision that worsens over time. Without surgery, cataracts can lead to serious vision loss. The best way to protect your sight from damage linked to smoking is to quit or never start smoking.


How Can You Prevent Vision Loss Related to Smoking?
a. If you smoke, stop. Quitting may lower your risk for both AMD and cataracts.
b. If you already have AMD, quitting smoking may slow the disease. AMD tends to get worse over time. Quitting smoking is something within your control that may help save your sight. Other healthy habits may also help protect your eyes from cataracts and AMD:
c. Exercise regularly.
d. Maintain normal blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
e. Eat a healthy diet rich in green, leafy vegetables and fish.
Wear sunglasses and a hat with a brim to protect your eyes from sunlight.

Card

Featuring Keywords:

Contacts

Media Related LinkOut

Discussions

Signin to post something here!