Ashima Sharda Mahindra • 11 Feb 2025
Attention! Smoking Causes Vision Loss and Blindness; Can Macular Degeneration Be Prevented?
Those who smoke cigarettes are up to four times more likely to develop AMD than nonsmokers
Age-related macular degeneration or AMD, is the biggest cause of sight loss across the world. And according to experts, smoking is among the main reasons the condition leads to total blindness.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a medical condition where damage occurs to part of the retina called the macula. It often develops as a person ages, affecting central vision and worsening over time.
How does smoking aggravate AMD?
Research says those who smoke cigarettes are up to four times more likely to develop AMD than nonsmokers. The World Health Organization (WHO) adds that people who live with smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD due to secondhand smoke. “Studies have shown a strong association between the risk of both AMD and pack-years of cigarette smoking. Even passive smoking shows an increased risk for AMD,” Dr. Mohanraj, Consultant-Vitreoretinal Surgeon, at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, told Times Now.
According to Dr. Mohanraj, the only way to reduce AMD risk is by quitting. “Stopping smoking appears to reduce the risk of developing AMD,” he said.
Smoking leads to many changes and damage to parts of the eye needed for clear vision, including:
The retina
The retina is a light-sensitive tissue behind the eye that receives light entering the eye and transmits it as chemical and electrical signals for the brain to create a visual image.
The macula
The macula is a highly sensitive part responsible for clear and sharp vision.
The lens
This is the clear part of the eye that allows the eye to focus on objects at varying distances.
How can you prevent AMD?
According to Dr. Mohanraj, even though you cannot completely prevent AMD, the risks can be lowered by making a few lifestyle changes, which include:
- Quit smoking
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels
- Eat healthy foods, including green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish
- Wear sunglasses with UV protection when outdoors
What are the signs and symptoms of AMD?
Many people with AMD do not have any symptoms until the disease progresses. You may experience:
- Blurry or distorted vision with blurred black spots in central vision, straight lines appearing crooked
- Difficulty seeing in low light
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Objects might appear warped, distorted, or smaller than they are
How can you manage or treat AMD?
Experts say there is no cure for macular degeneration. Starting treatments early can slow the progression of the disease and make symptoms less severe. Even with successful treatments, symptoms often return. Depending on the disease type, treatments include nutritional supplements, medications, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and laser therapy.
It is also commonly believed that eye exercises can help treat the condition. However, Dr. Mohanraj says it is not true. “There is no evidence to prove that eye exercises have any role in AMD. In case of any symptoms or a family history of AMD, it is advisable to get professional help from an eye specialist.”
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