Risk of developing AMD increased by smoking

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of blindness in Americans over the age of 65. This risk is greatly increased when smoking is added to the equation. The January 2010 issue of the American Journal of Ophthalmology contains the findings of a recent study that was conducted at the University of California in Los Angeles. The study included 1,958 women who underwent retinal photographs at five-year intervals beginning with a baseline exam at age 78. Only 4 percent of the women were smokers. What researchers determined was that women who smoked had 11 percent higher rates of AMD than other women of equal age. The risk was increased to 5.5 times more likely to develop AMD in women over the age of 80. While age is still the major forecaster for AMD, the indication is clear: smoking greatly increases your risk of developing AMD as you age. It is never too late to quit smoking and even elderly patients can benefit from cessation of the habit. Elise Ervin Staff Writer