Smokers are more likely to go blind (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Smokers are more likely to go blind

SMOKERS are twice as likely to lose their sight. Researchers from the Royal National Institute for the Blind have carried out a study which indicates a robust link between smoking and Age Related Macular Degeneration.

AMD is the leading cause of sight loss in the UK, it is estimated that, out of the 500,000 people with the condition, 54,000 of them have contracted it as a result of smoking.

A spokesman for RNIB said, "Smoking is the only proven cause of AMD that people can do anything about.

"A major public awareness campaign including warnings on cigarette packets will now be undertaken by the Government."