A public awareness campaign launched in the UK this month illustrates the impact smoking has on the eyes after a survey revealed optometrists are seeing high numbers of smokers with eye disease.  

The Association of Optometrists (AOP) annual Voice of Optometry panel found 96% of optometrists surveyed examine at least one patient every month with eye disease they believe is the result of smoking. Despite concern among AOP’s members, only a fifth (18%) of the general population recognise the connection between smoking and poor eye health, compared to 76% who link smoking with cancer, 66% who link it with heart disease and 64% who recognise the connection between bronchitis and smoking.

AOP Head of Clinical and Regulatory, Henry Leonard said, “Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration – the leading cause of sight loss in the UK and twice as likely to develop conditions which can lead to glaucoma and cataracts. There are of course numerous health reasons to stop smoking but we hope that highlighting these additional risks will give many smokers who are considering quitting, that last little push.”

The national Stub it out campaign was launched on July 2 and the AOP is calling on the sector to support the drive by downloading and sharing materials: www.aop.org.uk/stubitout