Cataracts

More than half of Americans will have developed some degree of cataracts by age 80. Cigarette smoking can increase the risk of cataracts by putting oxidative stress on the lens of the eye.

In fact, continued smoking can add up to a 22% increased risk of cataract extraction, according to one study. And it's not too late to quit. The amount of cigarettes smoked was a more important risk factor than how long someone smoked.

Smoking and Your Eyes

If you smoke, you risk developing cataracts and macular degeneration (deterioration of the retina of the eye resulting in the gradual loss of eyesight). This condition affects smokers nearly twice as much as non-smokers. Unfortunately, the risk of macular degeneration is only slightly reduced after giving up smoking.

If you smoke, you run an increased risk of developing cataracts. Smoking is one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness. The blood vessels in the retina are sensitive, and can be easily damaged by smoke. Smoking gives rise to a bloodshot appearance in the mucous membrane of the eye.

Smoking cigarettes accelerates the aging process.

Look and Feel Better * Quit Smoking Today