Q: I’ve just made a resolution to quit smoking. Is there any benefit to eye health with that?

A: Congratulations on setting your goal! You’ll be happy to know that quitting smoking reduces the risk of developing cataracts and macular degeneration, two common eye diseases. Cataracts (clouding of the internal lens of the eye) can haze or fog the vision in a variety of ways and smoking quickens this normal age-related process. Macular degeneration involves the deterioration of the central retina and does not affect everyone, but occurs more often in smokers compared to non-smokers. Your eyes might feel better too, since smoking can cause ocular irritation and feelings of dryness in the eyes. All of these eye problems can be profoundly annoying, if not disabling. Sometimes people need multiple methods and motivations to quit. Use your eyes as one extra reason to stay smoke-free.

Mosaic Vision Care, www.mosaicvisioncare.com