Smokers not only double their risk of developing AMD, they also tend to develop it earlier than non-smokers do. Research has shown that stopping smoking can reduce the risk of macular degeneration developing this has prompted the Beacon Centre for the Blind to launch their Stop Smoking campaign in the Wolverhampton area. 

 
AMD affects the macula at the back of the eye, which is responsible for central vision and makes it possible for you to see detail. People who develop AMD find activities like reading, writing and recognizing small objects or faces close to impossible. AMD usually starts in one eye and is likely to affect the other eye at a later stage. If you smoke you can develop AMD 10 years before non-smokers. To find out more about AMD and other eye conditions click here
 
Beacon Centre for the Blind are encouraging people in the area to stop smoking and be aware that passive smoking can be just as harmful as smoking yourself. 
 
Smokers wanting to kick the habit can get free help and advice from the city's stop smoking service. 
 
Advice sessions with stop smoking advisors are held across the city on weekdays and at weekends. Appointments are not necessary and it will only take 20 minutes to talk to a stop smoking adviser, pick up information, get the level of carbon monoxide in your body measured and set a date to give up smoking.  Would-be quitters will be given advice, support and two weeks worth of Nicotine Replacement Therapy patches or gum subject to their medical history.  
 
For more details on stop smoking sessions contact the service on 0800 073 42 42, text Help to 07800 000 914 or log on to www.wolvespct.nhs.uk  Calls to the 0800 number are free from landlines, calls from mobiles may vary, normal rates apply for texts.