Smoking is clearly a risk factor for the development of age-related macular degeneration. It appears that smoking not only increases risk of developing macular degeneration, it also promotes its progression. In addition, smoking influences many other prevalent diseases that affect the elderly, including heart disease and stroke. Patients with macular degeneration who would like to actively alter their risk of progression should clearly take steps to stop smoking.
Smoking represents one of the most modifiable risk factors associated with age-related macular degeneration. Stop-ping smoking does reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration; 20 years after stopping, the risk is similar to someone who never smoked. However, the benefits of stopping smoking may occur almost immediately, with a decreased risk of 6–7% within the first year.