Unhealthy lifestyles fuel rise in vision loss

Poor lifestyles are fuelling an alarming increase in vision loss. The number of people afflicted will double to four million by 2030, according to a report released by the Eyecare Trust.

Published to mark Eye Health Week (October 6-12), the report aims to raise consumer awareness about how smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and obesity can lead to vision loss.

It points out that smoking is a key risk factor for both wet and dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Findings suggest smokers are twice as likely to suffer from AMD than non-smokers. They are also likely to suffer from the condition earlier than non-smokers.