EFFECT Smoking is bad for the health of the body, which has often been campaigned for, such as cancer, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, including affecting the eyes and even causing vision loss.
Dr. Aaradhana Reddy Vitreo, Retina Surgeon from Sadhuram Eye Hospital, Hiderabad, India says, few people realize that smoke can affect eye health and in the worst case can cause vision loss.
Dr. Vitreo explained, the toxins in cigarette smoke eventually enter the bloodstream, which are distributed throughout the body, including the eyes.
This can lead to various types of eye problems such as dry eye, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and optic nerve problems.
Most of these cases can also lead to permanent blindness if adequate measures are not taken in time.
“In addition, tobacco smoke can also affect the tissues around the eyes causing irritation to the eyelids and swelling under the eyes,” said Dr. Vitreo is quoted by the Indian Express.
So what are the eye problems caused by smoking?
1. Dry eyes
Dry eye occurs when the eye cannot produce enough tears to lubricate the surface of the eye.
Symptoms of dry eye usually include redness, a gritty feeling, general discomfort, and stinging.
Tobacco smoke is a major contributor to dry eye because it can break down the lipid layer of the tear film.
2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD begins with a loss of central vision that makes it difficult for a person to see fine detail and read. Over time, vision loss will increase rapidly.
Between the two types of AMD (dry and wet), dry AMD is quite common. In cases of dry AMD, fatty deposits begin to collect under the light-sensing cells at the back of the eye (retina).
In dry AMD, vision loss usually gets worse gradually. When it comes to wet AMD, the tiny blood vessels under the retina rupture or leak. This changes vision and causes scar tissue to form.
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