Smokers twice as likely to lose their sight

5 September 2005

The 600,000 smokers in Wales are twice as likely as non-smokers to lose their sight in later life according to definitive new research2 published today on RNIB Eye Test Action Day.

The link between smoking and AMD (age-related macular degeneration) is now as robust as the link between smoking and lung cancer, yet few people are aware of the link or even of AMD. AMD is the Wales’ leading cause of sight loss - there are around 25,000 people in Wales with AMD - and an estimated 2,700 people have the condition as a result of smoking3.

A report published today by AMD Alliance UK4 reveals that only seven per cent of people know that AMD affects the eyes but that seven out of ten smokers would either stop smoking permanently (41%) or cut down (28%) if they thought it could harm their eyesight.

Graeme Butterworth, 44, from Cardiff, has smoked for most of his adult life. Graeme said: “I have smoked for years and am partially sighted in one eye. I managed to give up a while ago, but started again because I felt stressed in work. I have been told that I could go blind because I smoke and that terrifies me, more than any of the other health risks like cancer and heart disease. I am giving up smoking to save my sight and in support of RNIB’s Eye Test Action Day.”

Steve Winyard, RNIB’s Head of Campaigns and Chairman of AMD Alliance UK, said: “Smoking is the only proven cause of AMD that people can do anything about yet people are not aware of the link and most people have not even heard of the condition. The message is simple: do not take up smoking and if you do – stop! People also need to make sure they have regular eye tests to check their eyes are healthy – an eye test can save your sight.

“RNIB is calling on the Government to introduce specific warnings on cigarette packets and to fund a major public awareness campaign on the dangers of smoking to your eyesight. RNIB is also joining the British Medical Association and the Royal College of Ophthalmologists in calling for a ban on smoking in all enclosed public places and workplaces across the UK.”

The benefits of quitting smoking are very real. Studies have shown that people who stopped smoking 20 years ago have a similar risk of developing AMD as non-smokers do and the risk starts to decrease after ten years of not smoking5.

Chris Blyth, Consultant ophthalmologist at University Hospital of Wales and Royal Gwent Hospital agreed:  “Macular degeneration is the commonest cause of blindness in the UK. People with the condition find it difficult to read, recognise faces or perform any task requiring fine detailed vision. Most find their quality of life is greatly reduced.  In south-east Wales about 10 people per week develop the aggressive wet form of macular degeneration. Treatments are available for about 25% of patients.

In most cases this limits the damage but does not improve vision. Smoking is the number one modifiable risk factor for macular degeneration.  Smokers who want to reduce their risk of going blind should try to kick the habit. The sooner the better.”