Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Smoking Can Increase Cataract Risk

Birmingham Alabama Cataract Surgeon Marc Michelson, M.D. reviewed findings that 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 current literature suggests that smoking was associated with increased risk of age related cataract, especially nuclear cataract and to some extent posterior subcapsular cataract,” explained Dr. Michelson of Alabama Eye & Cataract Center. “While we need further studies and confirmation of the biological mechanism of why this occurs patients who are smokers should consider quitting and those who are not should avoid smoking. 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,” stressed Dr. Michelson.

Dr. Michelson further explained, “Most patients I speak to today are well aware of the vascular risks of smoking. We know that smokers are also at increased risk of glaucoma and age related macular degeneration. What may be news is that smoking increases your risk of cataracts.”

If you or someone you know feels they are at risk for cataract development, has a question about cataracts, cataract surgery or lens implants please feel free to schedule an eye exam by calling
Alabama Eye & Cataract Center in Birmingham at 205-930-0930, visiting Alabama Eye & Cataract Center or facebook.com/michelsonlaservision.

Michelson Laser Vision are leading Birmingham eye care practices with offices at 327 Summit Boulevard, Birmingham, Alabama 35243, and Alabama Eye & Cataract Center, 1201 11th Avenue S., Suite 501, Birmingham, Alabama 35205.