Smoking Increases Risk for Macular Degeneration by Luke Curtis, MD.
The macula forms the central portion the retina in the back of the eye. The retina converts light from the eye into neurological signals which are sent to the brain. Degeneration of the macula is the most common form of vision loss for people over 60 years of age.
Research has shown that macular degeneration has a strong genetic component. However, environmental factors also play an important role in the development of macular degeneration. A recent study of 1,446 adults over age 60 years reported that development of macular degeneration was 3.5 times as common in tobacco smokers as in non smokers. (This research was published in the May 2009 Investigative Ophthalmology and Visual Science).
Diet also plays an important role in preventing or slowing development of macular degeneration. Various studies have reported that a diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids and rich in fruits and vegetables can slow development of macular degeneration. Other studies have reported that dietary supplements of vitamins C and E, beta carotene ( a form of vitamin A found in vegetables), zinc, copper, omega 3 fatty acids, coenzyme Q10 and l-carnitine (an amino acid) can prevent or even partially reverse development of macular degeneration.
Exposure to high levels of ultraviolet light from the sun can also increase risk of macular degeneration. People who spend a lot of time outdoors during daylight hours and/or are exposed to very bright lights at work (such as welders) are at increased risk for macular degeneration and cataracts. Wearing ultra violet (UV) protective sunglasses can protect the retina and the rest of the eye from damaging UV rays from the sun.