Cigarette smoking as a risk factor for cataract and age-related macular degeneration: a review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Cigarette smoking has long been acknowledged as a major risk factor for many of the leading causes of death. Its role in ocular disease has received far less attention.


METHODS
This article reviews a large number of recent studies that have investigated a possible link between cigarette smoking and two major causes of blindness--cataract and age-related macular degeneration.


RESULTS
The preponderance of evidence shows a causal relationship between cigarette smoking and both cataract and age-related macular degeneration.


CONCLUSIONS
As primary eye care providers, optometrists should educate patients regarding the dangers of smoking as it relates to ocular health and consider a role in discouraging patients from starting or continuing this harmful habit.
DeBlack
Susan Sanders
SS
deblack@conwaycorp.net
D002386:Cataract / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D016021:Epidemiologic Studies; D006801:Humans; D008268:Macular Degeneration / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000453:epidemiology