Smoking and Your Eyes

About 4,000 chemicals are introduced into your bloodstream when you inhale cigarette smoke. These chemicals cause damage to your macula and can ultimately result in vision damage. Two common complications of smoking are macular degeneration and the development of cataracts.

At Eyes.com, we strive to provide you with thorough and accurate information so you can make the best choices about your eye health.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the number one cause of blindness for people age 65 and over in the United States. Smoking is the leading preventable risk factor of AMD, which affects your macula (the part of your retina responsible for sharp vision). A study published in a 2006 edition of the British Journal of Ophthalmology concluded that smoking was directly associated with around 25 percent of AMD cases that led to vision loss. If you live with someone who smokes, your chances of developing AMD doubles, the study also revealed.

Furthermore, smokers and former smokers are not allowed to take vitamins with beta carotene because of the increased risk of developing lung cancer. Beta carotene supplements help slow the development of AMD, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Cataracts

Cigarette smoke is also a risk factor in the development of cataracts, a clouding of your eye’s natural lens. Studies reveal that the greater amount of cigarettes you smoke and the length of time you have been smoking further increases your risk of developing cataracts.

Heavy smokers (who smoke 15 cigarettes or more per day) are up to three times more likely to develop a cataract, compared to nonsmokers. Experts believe that cigarette smoke increases oxidative stress in your eye’s natural lens, which increases the chance of clouding. Oxidative stress may be caused by the free radicals produced in cigarette smoke, along with other pollutants in the air. When these free radicals damage the proteins and fiber cell membranes in your eye’s natural lens, the result is a loss of transparency.

If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please visit our Eye Doctor Directory to find an experienced eye surgeon in your area or visit eyes.com today.