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How does smoking affect eye health?

How does smoking affect eye health?

10 April 2023

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Smoking is one of the leading causes of chronic disease and death worldwide, and its negative effects on health are widely known. However, many are unaware that smoking also has a significant impact on eye health.

Tobacco is a major risk factor for many eye diseases, and two of the biggest threats to eyesight are macular degeneration and cataracts.

  • Macular degeneration, also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is a disease that affects central vision, which is necessary to see objects clearly and perform common tasks such as reading, recognizing faces and driving.

There are two forms of AMD: dry and wet. Macular degeneration always begins in the dry form, and sometimes progresses to the more advanced wet form, in which vision loss can be very rapid if left untreated.

  • Cataracts are the clouding of the eye's natural lens (the crystalline lens) which causes blurred vision that worsens over time. Without surgery, cataracts can make it difficult to perform everyday activities.

In addition to the long-term effects on eye health, smoking can also affect the eyes immediately. Tobacco smoke contains a number of toxic chemicals that can irritate the eyes and cause a number of problems, including:

  •  Red, irritated eyes
  • Excessive tearing
  • Burning or stinging sensation
  • Blurred vision
  • Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
  • Problems adapting to darkness

Quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk of tobacco-related eye damage. If you find it difficult to quit smoking, consult your physician for advice on what to do in this situation.

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