Optician's warning to 'stop habit' or risk 'silent killer' that is on rise

man shielding his eyes from the sun
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With February marking Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) Awareness Month 2025 in the UK, recent NHS statistics have shown that one in 10 school pupils (11%) have tried smoking, one of the leading causes of the disease that can cause permanent vision loss and has been dubbed the ‘silent vision killer’.

Tina Patel, contact lens optician at Feel Good Contacts, has warned smokers around the UK, with AMD currently affecting more than half a million adults in the UK. She said that was expected to almost double and surpass one million by 2050.

Tina said she was especially concerned about the prevalence of smoking among school kids, as recent NHS statistics show that one in ten pupils (11%) say they tried smoking. Smoking damages the blood vessels in the eyes, which over time increases the risk for several complications, including cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

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The number of British adults affected by AMD is growing rapidly and is expected to surpass one million by 2050, according to charity Fight for Sight.

What causes Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Tina said: “Macular degeneration, also referred to as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), damages the macula, which is a small but extremely important area located at the centre of the retina. AMD leads to blurred or total vision loss in the centre of a person’s visual field, although normal peripheral vision will be retained.

"Most cases of AMD are dry, meaning that the blood vessels in the eye do not leak. There are usually minimal symptoms in the early stages. However, it progressively worsens as time goes on. Vision loss tends to occur within the intermediate to late stages.

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"Wet AMD, on the other hand, is when abnormal blood vessels grow in the eye and leak below the macula, resulting in permanent vision loss. It is a more advanced form of AMD, and dry AMD can progress to wet AMD.”

Tina Patel
Tina Patel -Credit:Feel Good Contacts

What are the symptoms of Age-related Macular Degeneration?

Tina said: “It is difficult to detect AMD early, as its symptoms are similar to other eye conditions. Furthermore, AMD is usually asymptomatic, meaning that symptoms won’t be noticeable until it is possibly too late."

Symptoms may include:

  • Decreased visual acuity

  • Difficulty distinguishing between colours and shades

  • Seeing a grid of straight lines as wavy, or as having blank areas

  • Seeing blurry areas on a printed page

  • Hallucinations

  • Extra sensitivity to glare

Tina added: "Age isn’t the only risk factor either, as genetics, smoking, obesity and high blood pressure can all contribute to the development or progression of AMD. This is why it’s so important to see your local optician regularly for a comprehensive eye exam.

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"If left undetected, AMD's worsening can happen over several years or at a more rapid rate over a few weeks or months. In addition to regular eye tests, general lifestyle changes like avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and doing more exercise can all play a part in helping to prevent AMD from developing.

"Choosing a diet rich in fruits and vegetables which contain antioxidant vitamins also reduces your risk of developing macular degeneration. Including fish and omega-3 fatty acids can also have a positive effect. Millions of people worldwide suffer from Age-related Macular Degeneration and unfortunately it is also a leading cause of blindness.

“While the available treatment and management of AMD depends on several factors, catching it early can significantly improve your chances of preventing permanent damage. There is no replacement for getting your eyes examined by a professional, even if you are otherwise healthy, to rule out any major conditions like AMD.”