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

Smoking and Eye Disease

Smoking, especially heavy long-term use, can adversely impact your vision. Tobacco addiction increases the risk of developing vision-robbing diseases such as macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Smoke is also an irritant that can cause or worsen dry eye syndrome.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Smokers run a significantly elevated risk of developing AMD, a condition that severely impairs central vision. Fortunately, the risk can be dramatically reduced by quitting smoking.

Cataracts

Heavy smokers double their risk of developing cataracts, the leading cause of blindness. Cataracts are characterized by clouded, blurred or double vision.

Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation of the eye's central layer that can lead to blindness. Smokers have a higher risk of developing uveitis than non-smokers.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Smoking raises one's risk of developing diabetes, thereby increasing the risk of retinopathy as well. Diabetes damages the blood vessels in the retina, causing them to leak blood into the eye.

Dry Eyes

Heavy smokers, and those exposed to secondhand smoke, not only double their risk of developing dry eye but also exacerbate existing conditions, especially among contact lens wearers.

Stop Smoking to Save Your Vision

The good news is that quitting smoking can have an immediate positive effect on your health. The staff at Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio cares about your health and will be happy to provide resources to help you quit smoking and improve your eye health. Call us at (937) 228-2020.