Smoking Doubles Risk of Vision Loss - Summary - MDSpire
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Smoking Doubles Risk of Vision Loss

New research indicates smoking doubles the risk of multiple sight-threatening conditions

  • May 15, 2026

  • 3 min

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A recent analysis of electronic health records from over 12 million patients reveals that smoking significantly increases the risk of various vision-threatening diseases, including cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. The study, which matched data from over 300,000 smokers with non-smokers, found substantial evidence of ocular damage over a ten-year period. The findings suggest that oxidative stress and chronic inflammation from tobacco exposure are key contributors to these conditions. Despite its known health impacts, the role of smoking in ocular health is often overlooked in clinical settings.

Original Source(s)

Smoking Doubles Risk of Vision Loss

  • May 15, 2026

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