 Smokers are four times more likely to go blind than those who don't indulge in the habit, new research has revealed. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most common cause of adult blindness, results in severe and irreversible loss of central vision. Researchers from the University of Manchester and Bolton Hospital Trust estimated that one in five AMD cases in the UK may be attributable to smoking. Writing in the British Medical Journal, they estimated that 53,900 people in the UK over the age of 69 may have visual impairment due to AMD linked to smoking. Of these, they said, 17,800 were completely blind. The researchers called for a sustained public health campaign to raise awareness of the link between smoking and blindness, as well as more commonly-known risks such as cancer. They said there was evidence that giving up smoking helped reduce the risk of AMD in later life. Consultant ophthalmic surgeon Simon Kelly, who led the study, said: "Smokers tend to develop AMD about 10 years earlier than non-smokers and this could be used as a potent message in awareness campaigns. "Evidence also indicates that more than a quarter of all cases of AMD with blindness or visual impairment are attributable to current or past exposure to smoking." In recognition of No Smoking Day, on Wednesday, smoking cessation services across the region are gearing up for calls for help to quit from thousands of smokers. Christine Jordan is the tobacco control co-ordinator for Sunderland. She said: "In our city alone, 37% of the population smoke and more than two thirds want to stop. "They want to be free of the mess, the addiction, the smell, the expense and the social stigma associated with smoking. "My advice to people who want to quit is to get as much information as possible about treatments and services that can help. "They should then write down all the reasons for stopping and keep the note handy to keep motivated. "They should also enlist support from friends, family and workmates and stay away from smoky bars and restaurants for a few days as they can undermine willpower." Dinnerlady Julie Redmond and her husband, Thomas, from Consett, have supported each other since packing in smoking six months ago. The couple, who have a daughter, Kirsty, 17, used to get through 70 cigarettes a day with Thomas, 43, a meat supervisor for the Co-op, being the worst offender, puffing his way through 50. They only decided to pack in when Thomas's sister, Ann Ferguson, came over for a visit from Australia, and said if they gave up they could easily afford to come and see her more often. Thomas said: "There was no reason for me to smoke that much - I just loved it. I would have a ciggie first thing in the morning, after dinner, after tea, with a drink. There is no stress in my life, I loved my job but just thought fags were the greatest thing ever. "But I was beginning to sound like an old diesel engine in the morning and our front room was stained yellow which was horrible." The couple joined the smoking cessation support group which meets at the YMCA in Chester-le-Street and is run by adviser Barbara Broadfoot. Thomas said: "We also used nicotine patches and lozenges to help with the cravings and found the support meetings fantastic. We would think: `if they can do it so can we'. "It hasn't been as difficult as I thought it would be and I can actually breathe properly again. "It is the best thing we ever did." Julie said: "Giving up has saved us a fortune and our skin has a bit more of a glow about it." For more information on support for County Durham smokers, call (01207) 214630, the NHS quitline can be contacted on 0800 169 0 169. Other help is available from Quitline 0800 00 22 00. | 
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