A novel study in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness, and the University of Newcastle found that smokers develop age-related macular degeneration five-and-a-half years earlier than non-smokers. Moreover, people who suffer from second-hand smoke are twice as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration.
Jude Stern, head of Knowledge Management from the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness said, “Smoking increases your risk of developing serious eye conditions and permanent sight loss. Quitting smoking and having regular eye tests can help improve eye health and prevent avoidable sight loss.”
The only way to restore vision after a cataract diagnosis is to surgically remove and replace the cloudy lens. Annually, roughly 94 million people have significant or extreme distance vision impairment or blindness due to undiagnosed cataracts.
Cataracts are the world’s leading cause of blindness and can develop slowly without pain.
People who use e-cigarettes are not safe, either: these devices can produce free radicals, damaging DNA and leading to cataracts or poor vision. Also, retinal function might be diminished by the use of e-cigarettes since they can reduce blood flow to the eyes, leading to an increased risk of eye cancer.
Vinayak Prasad, head of the No Tobacco Unit at the World Health Organization said, “WHO urges everyone not to use tobacco and e-cigarettes to protect their overall health, including eye health.”
There are several other tactics people can try to limit their risk of cataracts, including the following lifestyle changes:
- Quit smoking
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Limit UV exposure
- Get routine eye exams
- Control related conditions (hypertension, obesity, chronic kidney disease, diabetes)
- Reduce your weight
- Ingest antioxidants (omega-3, lutein, zeaxanthin, flaxseed, bilberry, turmeric, walnuts)
Cataracts might seem inevitable, but cutting your risk can be an easy way to mitigate a diagnosis.
Are you suffering from cataracts? Contact the experts at Zen Eye Institute to schedule a consultation today.
Rohr Eye & Laser Center is now Zen Eye Institute! We offer the most advanced technology available to provide personalized and extraordinary care to our patients. Whether your goal is to maintain or improve your natural vision, we are here to help you. Call us at 877-579-0202 to learn more.
Written by the digital marketing team at Creative Programs & Systems: https://www.cpsmi.com