Smoking & Age-Related Macular Degeneration

ViteyesEye Health, News, Nutrition

image of cigarettes

More than 16 million Americans live with a smoking-related disease.

Currently, there are 36.5 million Americans who still smoke cigarettes. Smoking doubles your risk for developing Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Studies show the strong association between AMD and number of pack years smoked.

Are you a past or present smoker? Due to the increase of oxidative stress on the eyes, cigarette smokers may lack sufficient levels of the following nutrients:

  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin E
  • Zinc
  • Calcium
  • Folate
  • Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
  • Lycopene

If you are a present smoker, the best thing you can do is to remember the 3 “S”’ to help prevent AMD.

1. Stop:

Stop smoking!  For support, join a ‘quit smoking’ program. A free resource is available:
1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)

2. Screen:

Schedule a screening with your ophthalmologist to look for early signs of AMD.

3. Supplement:

If you are a past or present smoker, Viteyes® AREDS 2 Plus Omega combined with AREDS 2 Multivitmain Beta-Carotene Free may help fill in the gaps. Viteyes® AREDS 2 multivitamin is specifically designed to be taken with AREDS 2, and the only AREDS 2 multivitamin compatible for smokers.

Ask your doctor if Viteyes® AREDS 2 Plus Omega-3 and Viteyes® Beta-Carotene Free Multivitamin Companion is right for you.