Macular Week to highlight dangers of smoking

This year's Macular Week will raise awareness of the impact of smoking on eye health. 

The week, now in its third year, takes place from 26 June to 2 July. It aims to promote good eye health and encourage people to look after their eyes. 

This year the theme will be smoking. Many people are aware that smoking causes lung cancer, but not many realise that it can also cause blindness. Smokers are up to four times more likely than non-smokers to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and smokers with a genetic predisposition to AMD are eight times more likely to get the condition.

The Society is looking for support during the week and is keen to talk to anyone who used to smoke but was unaware of the affect it could have on their eyes. 

If you are affected by AMD, used to smoke, and would be happy to share your story contact Felicity Crump on 01264 321 987 or email felicity.crump@macularsociety.org