Most smokers do not realise it represents the biggest modifiable risk factor for AMD, found a latest patient survey.
A study conducted by Macular Society during Macular Week (June 26 – July 2) revealed 53% of people were not aware smoking caused blindness.
Head optometrist at independent Edmonds & Slatter Opticians, Saagar Hirani said: ‘Most people realise there’s a possibility that if you smoke you might get lung cancer or another cancer, but they don’t know you could lose your sight. If people were more aware they might lose their sight I would hope they would be much keener to give up. People need to be aware of any connection and it’s still not publicised enough.’
Cathy Yelf, chief executive of the Macular Society, said the link was often missing from anti-smoking messages, which instead concentrated on the life-threatening side effects of smoking.