Risk of Cataract & Smoking

Patients who are current smokers or who have any history of smoking are at increased risk of getting a cataract according to researchers reporting in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science. The researchers found that the overall current literature suggests that smoking was associated with increased risk of age related cataract, especially nuclear cataract and to some extent posterior sub capsular cataract. They further recommended that additional efforts should be made to confirm these findings and clarify the underlying biological mechanisms.

“We are well aware of the vascular risks of smoking, and recent research demonstrates an increased risk of glaucoma and age related macular degeneration among smokers, so it is not surprising that smokers are at greater risk of cataracts-although the mechanism does in fact need to be identified,” stated Connecticut Cataract Surgeon Leslie Doctor, M.D. of Doctor & Associates with offices caring for cataract patients in Norwalk, Westport and Wilton, CT.

“A healthy lifestyle and diet are meaningful ways of maintaining eye health and vision-whether lowering your risk of cataracts, keeping the tiny blood vessels in the eye functioning properly or minimizing the associated risks of glaucoma-it’s important to avoid smoking as a lifestyle choice,” further suggested Dr. Leslie Doctor.

Patients concerned about Cataracts, in need of Cataract Surgery or Lens Implants should find the best Cataract Surgeons and schedule a visit for a Cataract evaluation, examination and consultation.