Smoking negatively affects nearly every system in the body, including the eyes.

While many are aware of the well-documented health risks associated with smoking, such as lung cancer, heart disease, and dental issues, fewer individuals recognize its detrimental effects on vision.

Impact of Smoking on Eye Health

Long-term smoking, particularly at a rate of 20 cigarettes or more per day, can significantly impair vision. The compounds found in cigarette smoke are harmful to health and have been linked to cerebral lesions that affect the brain’s visual processing areas.

Specifically, nicotine addiction heightens the likelihood of developing vision-threatening conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, smoke acts as an irritant, potentially causing or worsening dry eye syndrome. Below, we will explore each of these conditions in more detail.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Smokers face a heightened risk of developing AMD, a condition that severely compromises central vision, making tasks such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces and colors challenging or impossible, ultimately leading to permanent vision loss in individuals aged 65 and older. Fortunately, quitting smoking can significantly reduce this risk, even if done later in life.

Cataracts

Heavy smokers are twice as likely to develop cataracts, which are the leading cause of blindness. Symptoms of cataracts include clouded, blurred, or double vision, light sensitivity, and diminished night vision. However, cataract surgery is a common procedure that replaces the cloudy lens with an artificial intraocular lens.

Uveitis

Uveitis, characterized by inflammation of the eye’s central layer, is a serious ocular condition that can result in blindness. This disease damages critical eye structures, particularly the iris and retina, and can lead to complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Smokers are 2.2 times more likely to develop uveitis compared to non-smokers.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 40 percent, which in turn raises the likelihood of experiencing retinopathy.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome is a prevalent ocular condition marked by an inadequate production of tears necessary for eye lubrication, or by tears lacking the appropriate balance of water, lipids, and mucus for effective moisture retention. Typical symptoms include redness, itchiness, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.

Individuals who smoke heavily, as well as those exposed to secondhand smoke, not only face a doubled risk of developing dry eye but also worsen any existing condition, particularly among contact lens users.

Secondhand Smoke and Ocular Health

Secondhand smoke—which encompasses both the smoke released from a burning cigarette and the smoke exhaled by smokers—poses significant risks to health and vision. It endangers the eyesight of others, especially young children and infants. Additionally, research suggests that women who smoke during pregnancy increase the likelihood of their newborns being born with eye diseases or visual impairments that could hinder their learning abilities.

Quitting Smoking to Protect Your Vision

The encouraging news is that quitting smoking can lead to immediate health benefits, and it is never too late to stop! Once you break the habit, your body will start to heal itself, reducing the risk of vision loss. Although quitting can be difficult and requires commitment, support, and careful planning, Dr. Trey Gerdes and the team at Eye Fashion Optical in Waco are dedicated to your well-being and are ready to offer assistance and resources to help you quit smoking and enhance your eye health. Remember, if you smoke, stopping is the most crucial action you can take to safeguard your health and vision.