FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

This October, TACFL Urges New Yorkers to Protect Their Vision by Quitting Smoking

Finger Lakes, N.Y.—October 6, 2026 – As New York State observes Seen Enough Tobacco Day on October 13, the Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes (TACFL) is raising awareness of a lesser known but serious consequence of smoking: vision loss.

The American Lung Association warns that smoking can damage eyesight. Smoking is a known cause of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a disease that affects central vision and is one of the leading causes of vision loss among adults aged 65 and older.

The New York State Department of Health reinforces these warnings, reporting that smoking increases the risk of vision loss and blindness and contributes to cataract development and damage to the optic nerve, in addition to AMD.

According to the National Eye Institute at the National Institutes of Health, AMD causes central vision to become blurry or “wavy” when the macula—a part of the retina at the back of the eye—is damaged. AMD often has no early symptoms and progresses over time. The agency maintains that the risk for AMD is higher for people who smoke. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) supports this finding, stating that smokers are four times more likely to develop AMD than those who do not smoke.

“We often think about the damage smoking can do to the heart and lungs, but our eyes are affected, too,” says Dr. Patricia Weisenreder, Optometrist with Rochester Regional Health’s Eye Care in Sodus. “Smoking increases the risk of vision loss and serious eye diseases, including age-related macular degeneration. If you smoke, it’s never too late to take steps toward quitting, and if you don’t, the potential impact on your vision is one more reason to stay smoke-free.”

Vision loss affects people’s ability to drive, read, work, enjoy routine or recreational activities, and retain autonomy. Protecting eyesight is especially important for older adults who wish to remain active and independent in their communities.

“Most people know smoking harms the lungs. Many don’t realize it can also threaten their eyesight and independence,” says Tracy Brown-Simmons, community engagement coordinator for TACFL. “You can lower your risk of AMD by not smoking.”

TACFL encourages New Yorkers, especially those who smoke, to speak to their health care provider about vision concerns and how often they should schedule eye exams.

“When talking to your health care provider, if you smoke or use e-cigarettes (vapes), ask what quit-plan choices are available to you,” adds Brown-Simmons. “There are nicotine replacement therapy options, including patches, gum, lozenges, inhalers and nasal sprays. Quitting smoking could help lower your risk of vision loss as you age.”

The Tobacco Action Coalition of the Finger Lakes (TACFL) is committed to improving the health of our Finger Lakes communities. TACFL, funded through a grant from New York State’s Bureau of Tobacco Control and a program of the American Lung Association, is one of 21 community partnerships across New York State.

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