How Smoking Impacts Vision

Smoking harms nearly every system in your body — including your eyes. Though we are all aware of health effects such as lung cancer and heart disease, few know about the negative impact smoking can have on our vision.

Smoking and Eye Disease

Tobacco addiction increases the risk of developing vision-robbing diseases such as macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Smoke is also an irritant that can cause or exacerbate dry eye syndrome.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Smokers run a high risk of developing AMD, a condition that severely impairs central vision, making it difficult to read, drive, or recognize faces. The risk can be dramatically diminished by quitting smoking.

Cataracts

Heavy smokers double their risk of developing cataracts, the leading cause of blindness. Symptoms include clouded or blurred vision, photophobia, and reduced night vision. Cataract surgery is a common, safe, and effective treatment.

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of the eye's central layer and can lead to blindness, damaging important structures like the iris and retina. Smokers have a 2.2 times higher risk of developing uveitis than non-smokers.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Smoking raises the risk of developing diabetes by up to 40%, thereby increasing the risk of retinopathy. Diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina, which can lead to blindness in severe cases.

Dry Eyes

Heavy smokers not only double their risk of developing dry eye syndrome but also exacerbate any existing condition, especially among contact lens wearers.

Stop Smoking to Save Your Vision

The good news is that quitting can have an immediate effect on your health — and it's never too late to quit. Once the habit is broken, your body will begin to repair itself. At St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville, Ohio, we care about your health and will happily provide assistance or resources to help you quit smoking and improve your eye health. Call us at (740) 695-0444.