Several research studies suggest smoking can lead to deterioration of the macula (responsible for central vision). Research also shows that smokers are at five to six times higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration than non-smokers.
The most prevalent form of tobacco use in India is smokeless tobacco and commonly used products are khaini, gutkha, betel quid with tobacco and zarda. Smoking forms of tobacco used are bidi, cigarette and hookah.
While smoking tobacco is known mainly to cause cancer, heart disease, lung diseases, experts on Monday stated that it also plays a crucial role in vision loss.
Smoking may lead to severe vision loss: Experts - INDIA New England News indianewengland.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from indianewengland.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco use is one of the major causes of death and disease in India and accounts for nearly 1.35 million deaths every year.