Age-related macular degeneration and smoking cessation advice by eye care providers: a pilot study

Prev Chronic Dis. 2011 Nov;8(6):A147. Epub 2011 Oct 17.

Abstract

Smoking is a modifiable risk factor for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the United States. We conducted a pilot study among eye care providers and AMD patients to assess smoking cessation preferences and cessation services offered at a large academic medical center. Most patients who smoke reported never being advised to quit smoking, although most eye care providers reported that they had advised smokers to quit. Two-thirds of providers expressed a desire for additional training and resources to support patient quit attempts, indicating the need for the integration of smoking cessation opportunities in the clinic setting.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Counseling*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Macular Degeneration / epidemiology
  • Macular Degeneration / prevention & control*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Patient Education as Topic*
  • Physician-Patient Relations
  • Pilot Projects
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • United States / epidemiology