The first is chronic inflammation. Smoking causes chronic inflammation because of the constant presence of pathogens and foreign particles inhaled in cigarette smoke.

Chronic inflammation is associated with many diseases, including cardiovascular problems. Inflammation is usually associated with the healing response of the immune system, but chronic inflammation also has destructive processes. There’s a comprehensive explanation of inflammation at http://www.virtualrespiratorycentre.com/symptoms.asp?sid=60, which makes it easy to understand.
 
As well as inflammation there is some evidence that certain chemicals in cigarettes can directly disrupt blood flow to the retina.

These chemicals also have an adverse effect on the antioxidants in our blood. Antioxidants are vital to eye health, and you can read about them in the Antioxidant Nutrition posts in the "Eye Health Nutrients" category of this site.

Smoking damage affects every part of your circulatory system. Nicotine constricts your blood vessels. This places extra stress on your heart and can raise blood pressure. The lining of the blood vessels is harmed by smoking. The damaged surface allows fat deposits to adhere which causes hardening of the arteries as well as other blood flow problems. Several studies show that people with cardiovascular disease have a greater risk of AMD macular.

Not smoking is one of the most important things you can do to protect your macula.

If you do smoke, be cautious taking vitamin supplements with high levels of vitamin A or beta carotene. Results are not conclusive but various tests have revealed an increase in lung cancer in smokers who took concentrated beta carotene and vitamin A.

Smokers are strongly advised to eat a diet rich in deep yellow, orange and dark green vegetables. These vegetables contain beta carotene which is converted to Vitamin A in the body. Beta carotene-rich food poses no risk to smokers, and helps to protect you from AMD macular. You can and should eat as much of these healthy foods as you like.

Other vitamins, such as vitamin C, become depleted in smokers. You need a fresh, healthy diet, water and juices and plenty of vitamins and minerals to help your body recover from smoking damage.

And of course the first and most important action, if you’re a smoker, is to quit.

I smoked for thirty-odd years and happily I’m still alive to tell the tale. You can read my story here.