It’s well documented that smoking is bad for your lungs, taste buds and teeth – but did you know it can have an impact on your eyes too?
Studies have shown that smokers are at risk of the following…
Cataracts
Research has shown that those who smoke 15 cigarettes a day or more have up to three times the risk of developing cataracts than nonsmokers.
Cataracts are when the small transparent disc inside your eye develops cloudy patches. These patches often become larger causing blurry, misty vision and in time, blindness.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Smokers are much more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers.
AMD is an eye disease that can blur your central vision and is one of the most common causes of sight loss and cataracts in the UK.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Smoking contributes to higher blood pressure and glucose levels. This makes it harder to control existing diabetes.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes. This is also caused by high blood sugar levels which damages the back of the eye (retina).
Smoking is one of the most significant risk factors for developing diabetic retinopathy. This is because less oxygen is supplied to the eye due to damaged blood vessels.
If left undiagnosed and untreated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.
Dry Eye Syndrome/Dry Eye Disease
Tobacco smoke is a known eye irritant that can contribute towards dry eye syndrome.
Dry Eye Syndrome is a condition that occurs when the eyes do not make enough tears/the tears evaporate too quickly and you’re not able to maintain a normal layer of tears to coat your eyes.
This process can make your eyes prone to bacterial infections and put you at risk of scarring on your cornea.
Stopping smoking can reduce your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy or prevent it from getting worse.
To protect your eyes – and other parts of your health – give up smoking today. We can help you!