Smoking and Macular Degeneration
The Dangers of Smoking
Smokers using vape products or cigarettes are at higher risk for eye-related problems, including AMD – Age Related Macular Degeneration which is the leading cause of IRREVERSIBLE blindness in adults 50 years and older. The incidence of irreversible blindness is expected to increase to 22 million people with AMD – Age-Related Macular Degeneration by 2050.
Principal risk factors are:
- Smoking
- Diet rich in carbohydrates
- Diet rich in saturated fats.
- Excessive weight
- Age 50 years or older
- High Blood Pressure
- High cholesterol.
- Family history of age-related macular degeneration.
Clearly, most of these risk factors can be eliminated or reduced by making proper health choices.
Facts About Smoking
According to a 2022 study from the FDA, more than 3 million teenagers have reported using tobacco products in the past 30 days. Even more shocking is the fact that one out of every four teenagers reports using tobacco products every day, with E-cigarettes used the most frequently.
These facts are a cause for concern since many teenagers are unaware of the long-term damage to their eyes which typically sneaks up on them when they are adults.
Excessive smoking poses a Public Health concern since approximately 20% of Americans between ages 18 and 30 years use tobacco vape products.
While AMD is typically seen in patients 50 years of age and older, this does not mean that younger people are immune from eye diseases. They should stop smoking now and avoid blindness.
Ready to Stop Smoking?
For those who want help smoking, Kentuckiana Integrative Medicine offers a wonderful quit-smoking program that does not involve prescription medications.
Call for an appointment if interested.