Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in older adults, and smoking is a major factor in its early development. Recent studies have also found a link between some common eye problems and cardiovascular (heart) disease. In particular, people with age-related macular degeneration were found to have about double the risk of death from a heart attack or stroke compared with those without the condition.
How smoking affects the eye#
Cigarette smoking speeds up the development of atherosclerotic plaques – collections of cholesterol and fat in the walls of arteries. These are like porridge, gradually blocking the arteries so that blood flow becomes limited.
Nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke are thought to be important causes of arteries losing their elasticity. This means the arteries respond less well to changes in pressure and are more likely to rupture.
The macular area of the retina has the finest blood supply in the body, serving the retinal receptors that let us see fine detail clearly. Obstruction and failure of the blood supply to the macula can happen even before other body functions are affected. This blood vessel damage causes a gradual loss of vision, and new vessel growth and leakage can lead to scarring of the retina and severe vision loss.
The course of the disease#
People usually first develop age-related macular degeneration in one eye at around 65 years of age. The second eye becomes affected at a rate of about 12 per cent each year, and about 60 per cent of patients are legally blind in both eyes by their 70th birthday.
There is no effective medical or surgical cure for age-related macular degeneration, but rehabilitation advice helps people live more independently.
The impact of vision problems#
Age-related macular degeneration has wide-ranging effects. People who have it may:
- Be unable to read or see detail on the TV
- Find it hard to recognize faces
- Be unable to drive
- Confuse medication labels and be at risk of other illnesses
- Fall more easily and suffer more serious complications from falls
- Lose independence and need residential care earlier than they would with normal vision
Quitting smoking protects your vision#
Quitting smoking, or not starting in the first place, is one of the best ways to keep good vision for as long as possible. Low vision clinics and services can provide optical and other devices that help people with macular degeneration make the best use of their remaining vision and continue to live independent, fulfilling lives.
Key points#
- Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of blindness in older adults
- Nicotine and carbon monoxide in cigarette smoke are thought to be important causes of arteries losing their elasticity
- This blood vessel damage causes a gradual loss of vision
- Quitting smoking, or not starting in the first place, helps maintain good vision for as long as possible
Where to get help#
Sources & further reading
For evidence-based global guidance on this topic, consult authoritative public-health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO), CDC, NHS, and ECDC.