The connection between smoking and eyes

Smoking is well-known for being harmful to health which majorly affects the lungs and heart, but hardly people know that smoking affects the eyes too. Understanding how smoking affects your eyes is essential for both smokers and those exposed to secondhand smoke. If you have a bad habit of smoking, then you should immediately search on the internet for an ‘Eye Hospital near me’ and visit that hospital as soon as possible to get your eyes checked.

Here are the risks, consequences, and ways to protect your vision.

1. Increased risk of eye diseases

Smoking may cause many eye problems, many of which can lead to vision loss or blindness. These include:

•  Cataract: Smokers may easily develop cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Which can cause blurred vision and lead to blindness for life if left untreated.

•  AMD (Age-Related Macular Degeneration): Smokers are more likely to catch this condition, which damages the macula, it’s part of the retina which is responsible for sharp vision.

•  Glaucoma: Smoking may increase the risk of glaucoma, a condition that damages the optic nerve and if your vision is affected by glaucoma may lead to irreversible blindness if not treated timely.

•  Diabetic Retinopathy: Smokers who are already diagnosed with Diabetes may develop the risk of Diabetic Retinopathy – a condition that damages blood vessels in the retina. This condition may lead to vision impairment and blindness.

2. Dry Eyes and Irritation

Smoking can be a big reason for eye irritation and dryness. Smoke exposure can disrupt the tear film that protects our eyes, causing the eyes to feel itchy and watery. It can affect your daily activities such as reading and driving.

3. Secondhand Smoke and Eye Health

Smoking hurts the eyes, and it also impacts secondhand smokers who don’t smoke but get exposed to smoking. Secondhand smoke can lead to eye irritation, and allergic reactions, and increases the risk of developing eye diseases, especially in children and nonsmokers.

4. Smoking and Contact Lenses

Smokers who wear contact lenses may feel eye irritation and dryness badly. Because of contact lenses, there are chances to get conditions like corneal ulcers, which can cause permanent vision damage.

5. How quitting smoking improves eye health

An attempt to quit smoking reduces your risk of developing serious eye conditions over time. For example:

• The risk of cataracts and AMD decreases effectively.

• Helps in recovering from chronic dryness and irritation.

• Quitting may help children and family members who are exposed to secondhand smoke.

6. How to protect your eyes if you smoke

If you are a chain smoker and concerned about your eye health, here are the tips to reduce the risk of eye problems:

•  Quit Smoking: This is the most effective way to protect your eye health.

•  Regular eye exams: Regular eye check-ups with an eye doctor may help to protect your vision and help to detect early symptoms of any serious eye condition.

•  Stay Hydrated: Smoking can dehydrate the body badly, including the eyes, so drink plenty of water to keep your eyes moist.

•  Balance a healthy diet: The diet should be full of nutrients such as leafy greens, fruits, and fish, which are high in omega-3s, which can help protect your eyes from damage.

When to meet an ophthalmologist?

Suppose you’re experiencing extreme challenges related to your eyes. You should not delay; meet the eye specialist as soon as possible. Regular eye check-ups and protective measures like wearing sunglasses and maintaining a healthy diet can also help safeguard your vision.

Sharp Sight Eye Hospitals, is a leading eye care chain that serves more than 17 states in India. They offer multiple treatments for cataracts, glaucoma, LASIK, and retina disorders. Sharp Sight Eye Hospital in Delhi is renowned for its patient-centric approach, affordable care, and commitment to providing world-class eye care.