We all know that smoking is injurious to health. In fact, it can cause several health problems, including lung cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disorders. However, did you know that smoking can also negatively affect your eyes? In fact, smoking can cause a number of serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss and even blindness. In this article, we will discuss how smoking affects the eyes. We will also discuss what you can do to protect your vision.
Some of the diseases that can be caused/ aggravated by smoking are listed below.
Cataracts
Cataracts develop when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, resulting in blurred vision. Smoking is a major risk factor for developing cataracts, and smokers are twice as likely to develop cataracts as non-smokers. In fact, the more cigarettes a person smokes, the higher the risk. In addition, smokers tend to develop cataracts at a younger age than non-smokers.
Macular Degeneration
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp, detailed vision. Smoking is a major risk factor for macular degeneration. If you smoke, the risk of developing AMD is three times more than non-smokers. The risk of macular degeneration also increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the damage is cumulative. That is, the longer you smoke, the more the risk.
Dry Eye Syndrome or Dry Eye Disease
Dry eye syndrome is a condition in which the eyes do not produce enough tears. This results in a feeling of dryness, irritation, and discomfort. Smoking affects the eyes causing dry eye disease (DED). This is because smoke irritates the eyes, causes inflammation, thus reducing tear production. Smokers are more likely to experience symptoms of dry eye syndrome than non-smokers. DED also tends to be more severe in smokers.
Optic Neuropathy
Optic neuropathy is a group of conditions in which damage to the optic nerve leads to vision loss. Smoking is a major risk factor for optic neuropathy. Smokers are four times more likely to develop the condition than non-smokers. Smoking related damage to the optic nerve is also cumulative. The risk of optic neuropathy increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the length of time a person has smoked. This includes optic neuropathy due to glaucoma. It is therefore, essential that if you have glaucoma, you must not smoke.
Uveitis
Uveitis is an inflammatory condition of the uvea, and is often immune mediated. Smoking is a risk factor for uveitis, and smokers are more likely to develop the condition than non-smokers.
Smoking affects eye diseases:
In addition to the conditions listed above, smoking can also increase the risk of other eye conditions, including:
- Conjunctivitis: Smoking can irritate the conjunctiva, leading to chronic conjunctivitis and dry eyes. Conjunctivitis is also known as pink eye.
- Graves’ Eye Disease: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland. It can also affect the eyes, causing bulging eyes, double vision, and other symptoms. Smoking can increase the risk of Graves’ eye disease and can also result in worsening of symptoms.
- Optic Neuritis: Optic neuritis is a condition in which the optic nerve becomes inflamed, leading to vision loss. Smoking can affect the eyes, and increase the risk of optic neuritis. It can also make the condition worse.
How to Protect Your Eyes
The best way to protect your eyes from the harmful effects of smoking to never start smoking. However, if you do smoke, the best thing to do, is to quit smoking now. Quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing many eye conditions, including cataracts, macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, optic neuropathy, and uveitis. If you are having trouble quitting smoking, talk to your doctor or a smoking cessation specialist.
In addition to quitting smoking, there are other things you can do to protect your eyes, including:
- Eating a well balanced diet
- Making sure your blood pressure, blood sugar and serum cholesterol are under control
- Using protective sunglasses
- Avoiding trauma
- Decreasing screen time
