Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Cataract Risk: Smokers Beware!

“Smokers should beware of the increased risk of cataracts as we now see a relationship between smoking and risk of cataracts,” noted Cataract Surgeon Leslie Doctor, M.D. a Connecticut eye surgeon with Fairfield County offices in Norwalk, Westport & Wilton, Connecticut. “Most patients I speak to today are well aware of the vascular risks of smoking and they may even know that smokers are also at increased risk of glaucoma and age related macular degeneration among smokers. What may be news to smokers is that they are also at increased risk of cataracts,” stated Dr. Leslie Doctor.

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. 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.

If you or someone you know feels they are at risk for cataract development, is a smoker or has a question about cataracts, cataract surgery or lens implants please feel free to schedule an eye exam by calling Doctor & Associates-203-227-4113, visit Doctor & Associates or facebook.com/doctorandassociates to schedule an appointment.

Doctor & Associates is a leading Fairfield County Connecticut eye care practice with offices at 129 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut 06880, 195 Danbury Road, Wilton, Connecticut 06897 and 148 East Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut 06851
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