Smoking is one of the common habits among this generation of people which everyone should avoid but the fact is that smoking prevalence keeps on increasing. Smoking can influence health and lead to certain serious health issues like heart disease, lung cancer, and respiratory problems. Like any part of the body, smoking can also influence your eye health, their impact on vision going to affect your independent life. But this is one of the less-known facts about smoking. Over the years, studies have shown that smoking has a direct impact on a variety of eye diseases that can lead to significant vision loss or even blindness. From the below content, you can get to know how smoking can affect your vision and also how they are contributing to existing eye conditions.
How does smoking affect eye health?
Cigarettes and other tobacco products contain various harmful chemicals like nicotine, tar, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde, all of these chemicals have a direct impact on your eyes. All of these toxins enter the bloodstream and enter the delicate tissues of the eye, causing oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage to critical structures responsible for vision.
Here are some of the common eye conditions which are caused by smoking,
Age-Related Macular Degeneration is one of the most significant risks smokers face. The macula is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. AMD causes progressive deterioration of the macula, leading to blurred or distorted vision and, in severe cases, loss of central vision altogether. Research has shown that smokers are up to four times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers.
- Cataracts occur when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for cataract formation. Smokers are twice as likely to develop cataracts compared to non-smokers, and the risk increases with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking. Cataracts can only be treated with surgery, so the best approach is prevention by avoiding smoking.
- Dry eye syndrome occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort, redness, and blurred vision. Smoking is a significant cause of dry eye syndrome because the chemicals in cigarette smoke can irritate the sensitive mucous membranes of the eyes, leading to inflammation and decreased tear production.
- Smokers who have diabetes are at an increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Smoking exacerbates this condition by reducing blood flow to the retina, leading to the formation of abnormal blood vessels that can leak blood and fluid, causing vision loss.
- Glaucoma is a condition in which increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve, leading to vision loss. Smoking has been linked to a higher risk of developing open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of glaucoma. The toxins in cigarette smoke can contribute to poor blood circulation and increased intraocular pressure, both of which can damage the optic nerve.
Second-hand smoke and eye health
It's important to note that second-hand smoke can also have detrimental effects on eye health. Non-smokers, particularly children and older adults, who are exposed to second-hand smoke are at an increased risk of developing eye problems such as dry eyes, irritation, and even cataracts over time. Protecting those around you by avoiding smoking in enclosed spaces is essential for safeguarding your vision as well as your overall health.
Get your eye examination today!
Smoking can cause serious threats to eye health and also increase the risk of a wide range of vision-threatening conditions, including macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. While you are a smoker it is very important to get a regular eye examination so that you can find the underlying condition in its early stage, and take care of your vision.
Do not let smoking have a toll on your vision! Visit The Eye Foundation for an eye checkup to identify any eye complications before they worsen. Do not wait until it is too late to protect your eyes from further damage. Visit The Eye Foundation and book your appointment now!
