VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron SEEING THROUGH A CLOUD OF SMOKE Aside from increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease, cigarette smoking also harms vision. Research has found that smoking doubles the risk of developing cataracts. Not only does heavy smoking triple the risk, but the more a person smokes, the higher his or her risk of developing cataracts is. Researchers have also found that smokers face a risk of developing macular degeneration that is two to three times greater than that of people who have never smoked. Aside from being linked to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, smoking has been linked to diabetic retinopathy, optic nerve damage, dry eye, lazy eye, and conjunctivitis. Quitting smoking improves the chances of avoiding these eye diseases. Even if you have been smoking for years, quitting will reduce the risks of developing these conditions, for yourself and those around you. If you do smoke, make sure to schedule a comprehensive eye exam every year to catch any developing disease early. To schedule an appointment, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. We've invested in the latest technology to make exam findings easier and more accurate for everyone without the inconvenience of dilation. At Skowron Eye Care, your 20/20 vision is our mission. P.S. People who have quit smoking for 25 years have a 20 percent lower risk of developing cataracts than current smokers. SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron SEEING THROUGH A CLOUD OF SMOKE Aside from increasing the risk of cancer and heart disease, cigarette smoking also harms vision. Research has found that smoking doubles the risk of developing cataracts. Not only does heavy smoking triple the risk, but the more a person smokes, the higher his or her risk of developing cataracts is. Researchers have also found that smokers face a risk of developing macular degeneration that is two to three times greater than that of people who have never smoked. Aside from being linked to cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, smoking has been linked to diabetic retinopathy, optic nerve damage, dry eye, lazy eye, and conjunctivitis. Quitting smoking improves the chances of avoiding these eye diseases. Even if you have been smoking for years, quitting will reduce the risks of developing these conditions, for yourself and those around you. If you do smoke, make sure to schedule a comprehensive eye exam every year to catch any developing disease early. To schedule an appointment, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. We've invested in the latest technology to make exam findings easier and more accurate for everyone without the inconvenience of dilation. At Skowron Eye Care, your 20/20 vision is our mission. P.S. People who have quit smoking for 25 years have a 20 percent lower risk of developing cataracts than current smokers. SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com