Smoking is counted as the second most risk factor for blindness in old age. According to a US research team, smoking can increase macular degeneration in old age. A research report of UCLA's research team for the American Journal of Ophthalmology showed about 11 percent higher rates of this macular degeneration in women who smoked in comparison to women of same age.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) causes a gradual destruction in sharp, central vision (needed to see objects clearly and for activities for reading and driving). AMD occurs in two forms mainly, wet and dry. The most common symptom for dry AMD is blurred vision and straight lines appearing crooked in case of wet AMD.
Smoking tends to increase AMD as it reduces serum antioxidant levels, which alters the blood flow to the eyes and decreases retinal pigments. However, AMD can be prevented by giving up this addiction. Cigarettes contain approximately 4,000 chemicals in a cigarette, most of which is extremely harmful. Smoking causes cancers of all types, including kidney and bladder, respiratory disorders like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) damaging the lungs, and chronic bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchi or large airways), and also increases risk of heart attacks.
According to the Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR), an estimated 72 million women in India above 15 are smokers. Smoking can have an adverse effect on the overall health and giving up the habit can help lead a healthy life.
source: bolohealth
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