How Does Smoking Affect Your Eyes?

Introduction 

Smoking is the largest cause of death in the world, killing nearly 8 million people annually, including more than 600,000 passive smokers.

Though we know the effects of tobacco smoke and its role in causing conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease and respiratory illnesses, many of us are unaware that tobacco smoke can harm the eyes and result in vision loss.

Smoking is a major factor in causing age-related macular degeneration. The most prevalent cause of blindness in Western countries is age-related macular degeneration.

Some common eye issues and cardiovascular diseases have been linked in recent studies. Particularly, it was discovered that those with age-related macular degeneration had a double the chance of fatality from a heart attack or stroke as those without the condition.

How is the eye affected? 

The macular region in the retina serves the retinal receptors that allow humans to see fine detail clearly. This area has the best blood flow in the body. Even before other bodily functions get affected, the blood flow to the macula is hindered. Vision gradually deteriorates as a result of this blood vessel damage. The retina gets scarred and suffers severe vision loss as a result of new vessel growth and leakage.

Smoking and eye conditions 

Cataract 

Smoke from cigarettes causes cell changes in the lens of the eyes. Smoking may cause the lens to become contaminated with heavy metals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this harm makes smokers two to three times more likely to get cataracts.

Uveitis 

Uveitis is a severe eye condition which is the inflammation of the uvea, the central layer of the eye. Uveitis can lead to total blindness.

It can cause issues including cataracts, glaucoma and retinal detachment and damages important eye parts like the iris and retina.

The disease is more common in smokers than non-smokers, and smoking seems to contribute to the development of uveitis. Smoking increases the likelihood of developing the illness by 2.2 times, state studies. Uveitis can lead to eye redness, pain and vision loss.

Dry eye 

When the eyes cannot generate enough tears to moisten the eye surface, dry eye develops. This condition arises when the eyes produce insufficient tears. Since smoking dries out and irritates the eyes, it may make this condition’s symptoms worse. 

Smokers continuously breathe in smoke with each exhalation, which can cause dry eye conditions. Smoke’s toxins can irritate the eyes, which exacerbates the symptoms of dry eyes, especially in people who wear contact lenses.

Macular degeneration 

Smoking is one of many vital factors that can cause damage to the macula, the area of the retina that is crucial to vision. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) comes in two types—dry AMD and wet AMD. 

All types of AMD start with dry AMD, which causes the macula to weaken and lose nerve cells due to the growth of a fatty protein called drusen. The primary factor for legal blindness in elderly persons is AMD. According to the CDC, smokers are two times more likely to get AMD.

The centre of the retina, which is responsible for the clear, central vision required for daily activities like reading and driving, is impacted by age-related macular degeneration.

Blind spots result from macular degeneration, which frequently severely impairs central vision. 

The most modifiable risk factor for AMD is smoking. Thus stopping at any age, even later in life, can significantly lower the risk of macular degeneration.

Glaucoma 

Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions arising from elevated blood pressure in the eyes. Usually, the buildup of extra fluid inside the eye causes increased pressure. Since the optic nerve is the only connection between the brain and the eyes, increased pressure is primarily a problem since it can harm the optic nerve.

Regular smokers’ risk of acquiring glaucoma increases with the number of cigarettes they smoke.

Diabetic retinopathy 

Smoking raises a person’s risk of Type 2 Diabetes, which increases their chance of getting Diabetic retinopathy. This condition affects the retina, and results in damaged, tiny blood vessels that leak fluid and blood into the eye, posing a threat to vision. 

The blood vessels in the retina are damaged by diabetic retinopathy, which can cause visual loss. The risk of Diabetes increases twice when a person smokes.

Smoking has been linked to the onset and progression of Diabetic retinopathy and several other Diabetes problems.

Who are the at-risk groups? 

Pregnant women

Smoking is also not advisable during pregnancy since it raises the risk of premature birth and the vision condition retinopathy of prematurity, affecting the developing infant. 

A retinal detachment and, in rare circumstances, blindness may result from this disease, which happens when the blood vessels in the newborn retina have not developed properly.

People with Diabetes

Smokers with Diabetes are the most at-risk group for eye-related disorders. They are more susceptible to developing Diabetic retinopathy. Smoking is particularly harmful to those with dry eyes since it exacerbates their eye dryness and irritability, in addition to the lack of tears they experience.

Children

Children are also affected due to smoke exposure. One of the most well-known health threats to the eyes is tobacco smoke exposure in both active and passive smokers. 

However, children as young as 6 can experience smoke-related ocular disorders. Their vision is at risk since there is thinning of the choroid, a layer of the retina filled with blood vessels.

Why does the eye turn red due to smoking? 

It is noticeable in some smokers that their eyes can get red when they smoke. The smoke and the chemicals in cigarettes contribute to this.

Just the presence of smoke can irritate the eyes and cause a tear film breakdown. An exterior oily layer, a watery middle layer and an interior mucus layer make up the eye’s tears. The inner, watery tear layer dries out due to the smoke’s impact on the outer layer. Eyes that are itchy, gritty or burning are signs of dry eye syndrome.

The nicotine in cigarettes stimulates the central nervous system. The blood arteries narrow, raising the heart rate, which reduces blood flow. When the body overcompensates, it pumps more blood, which can cause dilated, red eyes.

What can be done to protect the eyes? 

Smokers have various options for protecting their eyes from harm. This includes,

• To stop or cut back on smoking. This benefits not only the smoker but also those close to the person by protecting their eyes from harm.

• Reduced screen time – Besides smoking, other habits and activities might harm the eyes. One of them is spending an excessive amount of time looking at screens.

• Most displays, including those on TVs, cellphones, computers and other devices, generate blue light, which is very bad for the eyes. To prevent damage, one must restrict screen time and regularly exercise their eyes.

• Healthy eating – Diet has a big impact on the eye’s health. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, can reduce the chance of eye injury.

• Regular eye exams are crucial for maintaining the safety of the eyes. Routine checkups can prevent eye damage from toxic elements that can build up on the eye’s lens.

Here are steps we may take to safeguard our eyes apart from quitting smoking.

• Maintain proper eye hygiene.
• Blink frequently to keep the eye from drying out and becoming irritated.
• Use sunglasses that block UV radiation to shield the eyes from the sun.
• While performing an activity that requires using the eyes, take a break (reading, using screens, etc.).
• Control the blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure to look for any signs of eye diseases.
• Visit an ophthalmologist for a checkup every year.

Conclusion 

It is strongly advised that smokers get professional help to stop smoking.

There are numerous different therapy options that can give the motivation to quit the habit of smoking. It’s never too late to stop using tobacco.

When one finally breaks the habit, their body will start to repair itself, and they’ll feel a lot better knowing that they are doing everything to maintain the body’s health.

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