[ad_1]
World No Tobacco Day 2022: Smoking has various negative effects on the body. In this article, we list various eye conditions smoking can cause and who are prone to it.
World No Tobacco Day 2022: Smoking during pregnancy makes the baby more prone to developing retinopathy
Smoking is the leading preventable reason behind mortality in the world. Tobacco results in more than 8 million deaths worldwide and it is being estimated that nearly 600,000 of them are passive smokers. While many of us are aware that smoking can lead to severe conditions like respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer, it can also be equally harmful to the eyes.
Cigarette smoke releases toxins in the body that travels through the bloodstream affecting different organs including the eyes. Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing severe eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy which can ultimately lead to vision loss if proper precautions are not taken on time. Additionally, cigarette smoke can cause puffiness below the eyes and eyelid disorders, such as inflammation and irritation.
Types of Eye Disorders Caused by Smoking
People who smoke often don’t understand that the smoke from cigarettes can damage crucial parts of the eyes like the lens, retina, and macula, all of which are important for maintaining a healthy vision. Here are some of the major eye disorders caused by smoking:
Cataracts
Cataracts can significantly increase the chances of vision loss. The condition occurs when the naturally transparent lens of the eyes becomes cloudy, resulting in light sensitivity and blurred vision. Smoking can increase the percentage of free radicals within the eyes. Free radicals can damage the proteins and lipids in the eyes and result in the formation of deposits on the eye’s lens—causing cataract development.
Age-related Macular Degeneration
The central vision is impaired by this condition, which makes it impossible or difficult to drive, read and even recognize colours and faces. When left untreated, the disease can progress to blindness and permanent vision loss. Research has also revealed that smokers tend to have low levels of lutein and zeaxanthin which protect the macula from UV radiation— another big risk factor for age-related macular degeneration.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Smoking can increase the chances of developing diabetes by up to 40% and eventually increase the risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels within the retina. Due to that, the blood vessels leak fluid and blood into the eyes causing total or partial blindness.
Dry Eyes
This condition occurs when adequate tears are not produced by the eyes. Cigarette smoke can further cause irritation and eye dryness.
People who are more at Risk of Developing Eye Conditions from Smoking
There are some groups who are especially at risk of developing eye condition from smoking which includes:
Pregnant Women
Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of retinopathy in unborn babies. This disorder happens when the blood vessels in the baby’s retina are not fully developed which could cause retinal detachment and, in certain cases, even blindness.
Diabetics
Diabetic people who smoke are more at risk of developing conditions like diabetic retinopathy.
Children
A study has revealed that children can develop eye conditions caused by smoke at a very early age. Smoke from cigarettes can lead to thinning of the choroid which can put their eye health at risk.
How to Protect the Eyes
Quitting smoking is obviously one of the best ways to ensure good eye health. However, other than quitting smoking, there are some important things one can do to protect the eyes like:
● Wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses when heading out to protect the eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun
●Frequently blink the eyes to prevent it from drying out or becoming irritated
● Maintain good eye hygiene
●Always keep blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control
● Rest the eyes, especially while doing eye-straining activities like using screens, reading, etc.
● Go for routine check-ups from an ophthalmologist
Final Words
It’s never too late to give up on smoking. It is always important to remember that quitting smoking can not only help in maintaining overall health but is also good for eye health.
Written by: Dr. Ashutosh Patil, Director & Chief Consultant, EMERALD Eye Hospital & Retina Centre, Pune
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts, or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.
[ad_2]
Source link