Smokers are up to four times more likely to develop age related macular degeneration (AMD) than non-smokers. AMD is the leading cause of blindness in people over the age of 50 and NCBI is urging the Government to back a European campaign to include a specific warning on cigarette packets to alert smokers to the dangers to their eyesight.

Studies have shown that smokers develop AMD 10 years earlier than people who have never smoked . While smoking is the one cause of AMD that people can do something about, most people are not aware of the link between tobacco and sight loss.

AMD affects the macula at the back of the eye, which is responsible for central vision and allows you to see detail. The condition does not usually result in total blindness but it makes activities like reading, writing and recognising small objects or faces very difficult. AMD usually starts in one eye and is likely to affect the other eye at a later stage.

Mr Dara Kilmartin, Consultant Ophthalmologist with the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital added: “There are two types of AMD – wet and dry. There are currently no proven treatments for dry AMD, which is the more common form so, of the cases we are seeing every year, only around one quarter would benefit from treatment. However, the danger is that these people are not presenting early enough for the treatments to be effective. The progression of wet AMD means that most people have reached blind registration level within six to nine months.”

“Research has shown a definite link between smoking and AMD. However, the good news is that you can lower your risk of sight loss by giving up smoking now. Certain vitamins can help to protect the macula so it is important to include plenty of fresh fruits and dark green, leafy vegetables in your diet. These are rich in vitamins C and E and carotenoids, including lutein and zeaxanthin, which may help to delay the onset or reduce the severity of AMD,” said Mr Kilmartin.

According to Des Kenny, CEO of NCBI, early detection is vital in the fight against AMD. “An early diagnosis may mean that treatment can prevent further deterioration of the remaining vision so it is vital to have regular eye exams. We are delighted with VHI’s recent announcement that they now cover both Lucentis and Macugen, two of the newest treatments for wet AMD. This gives people living with wet AMD greater access to the range of treatments available, both through the public health system and from private health insurers.”

As well as offering services to people who have AMD, NCBI is campaigning for tobacco products to include a warning about the links between smoking and sight loss in an effort to raise public awareness about AMD and how to prevent it. Other countries, including Australia, have introduced text and graphic sight loss messages on cigarette packets very successfully.

For more information visit www.ncbi.ie/amd

ENDS

For more information contact Eoin Dardis on 086 8077759 or Fionnuala Murphy on 087 4116925.

Notes to editors:

1. The National Council for the Blind is a not for profit charitable organisation which offers support and services to people experiencing difficulty with their eyesight.

2. About 18% of people using NCBI’s services are completely blind, while 82% have varying degrees of usable vision.

3. Wet AMD, although the least common form of the condition, is the most aggressive. New blood vessels grow in the macula, leaking fluid and blood, which leads to the development of scar tissue that eventually destroys the macula.

4. Lucentis (Ranibizumab) and Macugen (Pegaptanib sodium) is an anti-VEGF (anti-Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) therapy, designed to treat the underlying causes of AMD by targeting the proteins that trigger abnormal blood vessel growth in the eye.

5. The list of warnings that can be used on tobacco products is laid out in Directive 2001/37/EC on the Approximation of the Laws, Regulations and Administrative Provisions of the Member States Concerning the Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco Products but does not currently include a warning about smoking and sight loss.