The facts
The link between smoking and the UK's leading cause of sight loss is as strong as the link between smoking and lung cancer.
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 (AMD) - one of the UK's leading causes of sight loss - and cataracts.
Smokers not only double their risk of developing AMD, they also tend to develop it earlier than non-smokers do. Treatment options for AMD are limited. It has been shown that stopping smoking can reduce the risk of macular degeneration developing. While cataracts are treatable and therefore do not lead to blindness, they remain a major cause of sight loss in the UK.
Furthermore, smoking can make diabetes-related sight problems worse. Cigarette smoking increases free radicals, which accelerate ageing, and alter the body's ability to absorb or extract necessary vitamins and minerals from food.
Passive smoking is almost as harmful as smoking yourself.
Stop smoking today
Smokers wanting friendly help and advice on how to quit can ring Quitline on 0800 00 22 00 and speak to a trained QUIT counsellor. Alternatively email stopsmoking@quit.org.uk for a same day personal reply. A free QUIT pack is also available to all smokers wanting to stop.