Age–related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is considered to be the main cause of sight loss in people over the age of 55 in the European Union. A study of over 75s published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology last year showed that those who smoked were twice as likely to have (AMD) as those who did not.

NCBI’s Chief Executive, Des Kenny said, “The latest study of the blind register in Ireland shows a dramatic rise in the number of registrations due to AMD. Between 1996 and 2003 there was an increase of 113% in people registering as a result of the condition.”

Mr Kenny added, “NCBI wants people to be more aware that smoking causes sight loss and to know that changes in lifestyle can protect their sight. We encourage people to take care of their vision by having regular check-ups which can detect many treatable conditions before they become a serious problem. ”

Studies in a number of countries confirm that the risks of developing AMD decrease significantly after 10 years of giving up smoking.

Smokers are not only at risk from AMD as studies have shown that they are also increasing their chances of developing cataracts and glaucoma.

ENDS

For more information contact Eoin Dardis on 01 2710122 or Fionnuala Murphy on 01 8821975.

Notes to Editors

1.    National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) is a not for profit charitable organisation which offers support and services nationwide to those experiencing difficulties with their eyesight.

2.    2006 is NCBI's 75th anniversary year, having been established in 1931 to promote the physical, economic and social independence of people living with vision impairments.

3.    NCBI provides a range of services to 10,000 people experiencing difficulty with their eyesight in Ireland.

4.    Age related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition which attacks the macula of the eye, where the sharpest central vision occurs.

5.    AMD rarely results in complete blindness, but it robs the individual of all but the outermost, peripheral vision, leaving only dim images or black holes at the centre of vision.