Over 36.5 million Americans still smoke cigarettes. Although smoking is well-known to cause lung cancer, many may not know how detrimental smoking can be for your eyes. There is a strong association between age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and the number of pack years smoked. Smoking actually doubles your risk of AMD compared to a non-smoker.
If you are a smoker or former smoker, it is important to see your eye care professional to be screened properly for AMD. If you still smoke, the sooner you quit, the less you risk this disease and other eye complications. More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease.
What else can you do to maintain your vision? Consuming a healthy, balanced diet can also help with your eye health. If you aren’t getting the nutrients you need for your diet, consider taking a dietary supplement, such as lutein, to help maintain your eye health.
For resources to help you quit smoking, click here or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).
Take control of your vision.