Seeing the Truth Behind Smoking and Eyesight

Seeing the Truth Behind Smoking and Eyesight

Undoubtedly, cigarette smoke is one of the most toxic consumer products. It contains as many as 4,000 active compounds, including:

  • Formaldehyde
  • Tar
  • Carbon monoxide
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Heavy metals

Studies have shown that its negative impact on the body includes:

  • Increased risk for chronic degenerative diseases, including heart attacks, strokes, and cancers
  • Increased pregnancy complications, including premature birth and congenital disabilities.

But not as well-known are the adverse effects of cigarette smoking on vision. Researchers have directly linked it as one of the leading causes of cataracts and macular degeneration, the most common vision loss causes.

Researchers even believe that it contributes to or causes several other eye health problems – indeed, a cause for concern for everybody who values their sense of sight.

What’s the Link?

Cigarette smoking links directly to the development of these eye health issues:

Cataracts

Cataracts occur when the eyes become cloudy, characterized by faded colors, blurry vision, and increased glare sensitivity.

In addition, doctors have discovered a direct relationship between the number of cigarettes consumed and the development of cataracts.

Essentially, the more you smoke, the higher your risk for cataracts.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration, a deterioration of the macula (i.e., the retina’s central part that allows perception of fine details), causes blind spots, blurriness, or distortions in the central vision.

Smokers have 2 to 4 times higher risks of developing macular degeneration than non-smokers. However, even non-smokers can increase their chances when frequently exposed to second-hand smoke.

In both cases, researchers believe that the substances found in cigarette smoke increase the adverse impact of oxidation on the eyes and interfere with blood circulation to the organs. Studies also show links between smoking and eye problems like dry eyes, optic nerve damage, conjunctivitis, lazy eye, and diabetic retinopathy.

What You Can Do

Fortunately, there’s hope for smokers who value their eyesight since quitting the habit can improve the chances of avoiding eye health issues, including vision loss.

For example, studies have shown that smokers who quit have reduced risks – about 6.7% – of developing macular degeneration after just one year. Then, in five years, the risks further reduce by another 5%. This reduction also happens in cataracts but at a significantly slower rate.

The bottom line: Never take up the smoking habit. For good measure, it would be best to have regular eye health exams at LensCrafters.