Current and former cigarette smokers face large increased risks of ocular diseases that compromise eye health, according to a recent systematic review and meta-meta-analysis.

After searching scientific databases through 2024, researchers selected 12 meta-analyses that qualified for inclusion based on a quality assessment. They analyzed results of the included meta-analyses for their meta-meta-analysis, and found that current smokers are seven to 12 times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration than non smokers, and past smokers are at seven-fold increased risk.

With regard to primary open-angle glaucoma, both current and past smokers have three times the risk. In addition, current smokers are four times more likely to develop cataracts, and “ever” smokers face a six-fold risk.

“Public health efforts and clinical guidelines should emphasize smoking cessation to reduce smoking-related ocular disease incidence and promote ocular health,” the authors concluded.

To read the abstract of the study, published in the European Journal of Ophthalmology, click here