Smoking is a known danger to health, both in first, second, and third-hand form. However, as well as increasing someone’s risk of an early death
It can also increase their risk of going blind. More and more studies, and health bodies, are calling for smokers to quit so they can keep their sight.
A new study has found that smokers could develop age-related macular degeneration up to five-and-a-half years earlier thanks to their habit.
The study has been led by a team from the WHO (World Health Organisation), Newcastle University, and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB)
Head of Knowledge at the IAPB, Jude Stern, said: “Smoking increases your risk of developing serious eye conditions and permanent sight loss
Quitting smoking and having regular eye tests can help improve eye health and prevent avoidable sight loss.”
Alongside increasing one’s risk of age-related macular degeneration, the brief from the trio says that tobacco use can also increase the risk of develop cataracts
These are hard to treat with only surgery available to help those affected.
It’s all to do with the chemicals and toxins produced. If the body enters a sustained period of exposure to harmful chemicals these will ultimately lead to harm.
Because smoking sends fumes around the body, this means it can also reach the exposed eyes and the tissue underneath.
Smoking causes harm to the tissues of the eye. Research has confirmed the harmful effects of smoking on eyesight, particularly in the development of age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.