Smoking can cause many eye diseases, including cataracts. However, the most common cause of smoking-related blindness is age-related macular degeneration of the eye. Researchers estimate that more than 25 per cent of macular degeneration in the elderly can be linked to smoking. Smokers are not usually aware of this risk.

Studies indicate that quitting smoking can significantly slow macular degeneration. In contrast, continuing to smoke reduces the effectiveness of treatment, such as laser therapy.

Analysis based on several large studies.