Do you have a patient with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) who identifies as a nonsmoker or former smoker? Use exam time to start a conversation about smoking habits rather than just checking the box on a patient's form. Smoking is a major risk factor for development of AMD and worsening of symptoms. In fact, studies have shown that smoking doubles an individual's risk for AMD, whereas smoking cessation decreases risk for AMD. "People who are self-reported former smoke

More patients with diabetes are frequenting their doctors' offices today than a decade ago as nearly 29 million Americans battle associated health risks ranging from cardiovascular to eye diseases. "We, as primary care providers, have an obligation to talk to our patients about primary diabetes prevention." The findings are part of a data brief released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) in June that indica