The Claim
Current smokers have a 65% higher risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration compared to never smokers, and former smokers have a 21% higher risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration compared to never smokers.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
People who currently smoke have a 65% higher chance of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration than people who never smoked. People who quit smoking still have a 21% higher chance than those who never smoked.
See the scientific wording
Current smokers have a 65% higher risk of developing neovascular age-related macular degeneration compared to never smokers, while former smokers have a 21% higher risk, indicating that smoking cessation reduces but does not eliminate elevated risk.
Toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke damage cells in the back of the eye, causing constant inflammation and buildup of harmful molecules. This triggers abnormal blood vessels to grow under the retina, which leak fluid and blood, leading to vision loss.
What the research says
1 studyThis study found that men who currently smoke are 65% more likely to get a serious eye disease that causes blindness than men who never smoked, and those who quit still have a 21% higher risk — meaning quitting helps, but doesn’t fully undo the damage.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.