5 Eye-Related Problems Every Smoker Should Know

It has been widely known that cigarette smoking seriously harms the body. From the lungs to the heart, smoking affects the body in a number of ways. Once damage occurs, it is nearly impossible to reverse it. Along with this, smoking can have a lot of severe implications on the eyes as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, smoking develops serious eye conditions that could lead to vision loss or even blindness. This article tells five eye-related problems that come along with smoking.

Cataract Risk

A cataract is a condition in which the eye lens gets cloudy. The relationship between smoking and cataract is such that the more you smoke, the more you increase the risk of a cataract. There has been a studies that suggests smoking increases the risk of age-related cataracts. Smoke alters the cells of the eye lens through oxidation. There is an accumulation of heavy metals in the lens too, thus contributing to the development of cataracts.

Uveitis

Uveitis is a condition that involves the inflammation of the middle layer of your eye. A 2015 study published in the National Library of Medicine concluded that “Cigarette smoking is significantly associated with new-onset uveitis within a population-based setting.” The compounds found in cigarette cause inflammation within blood vessels, which leads to uveitis along with the disruption of the immune system.

Also read: Can Your Lungs Self-Heal Even When You Keep Smoking? Expert Answers

dry eyes

Generally, dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes fail to make quality tears or make no tears at all. This condition causes dryness, irritation, and redness in the eye. The smoke of cigarettes further aggravates this and worsens the syndrome. Smokers are at twice the risk of developing dry eye syndrome than non-smokers.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects your central vision and smokers are three times more likely to have this condition than non-smokers. When this happens you face trouble seeing objects clearly, and experience a tough time in doing common tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces. Smoking induces the development of this condition a decade earlier, as compared to when you are not smoking.

Diabetic Retinopathy

It is known that diabetes causes serious eye conditions. Diabetic retinopathy is one such condition caused by type one and type two diabetes. The risk of developing diabetes is increased by as much as 50% in people who smoke. While the risk of diabetic retinopathy is nearly doubled in such people.

Also Read: Study Reveals Smoking And Lack Of Exercise Linked To Death In People With Type 2 Diabetes

What You Can Do?

In addition to other diseases, smoking could lead to permanent vision loss or blindness. Thus, the straightforward way to have good health and well-being is to quit smoking. It will help to prevent the further development of any eye disorder. Other than this, you should follow healthy habits for your eyes.

• Eat leafy greens, fruits, foods rich in vitamins E, C, and beta-carotene.
• Make sure to manage your cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Stay active and exercise regularly.
• Go for eye tests and seek a doctor’s advice to get relief from your eye problem.

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