The impact of smoking on your general health are well know. But did you know that smoking also has severe ramifications on your eye health?
Here are a few conditions that are made worse by smoking:
DRY EYES
Smoke has drying agent that can destabilize your natural tear film, resulting in discomfort, irritation, and a scratchy feeling. Tobacco smoke has chemicals that can cause cellular damage and can delay healing rates and increase rates of corneal infections.
CATARACTS
Cataracts are an age-related change where the natural lens of your eyes becomes cloudy over time. Smoking, sun exposure, and few medications have also been linked with development and progression of cataracts.
MACULAR DEGENERATION
Age-related macular degeneration occurs when the macula gets damaged. Macula is responsible for your central vision. There has been research evidence that supports that people who smoke are more likely to develop AMD in comparison to people who do not smoke.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
Smoking has been linked with risk of developing retinopathy in patients with diabetes. In this condition, the blood vessels that feed the retina tissue become damaged. It results in blood leakage and swelling, which causes reduced vision.
There are also negative impacts of smoking on infant’s health during pregnancy, progression of grave’s disease, and uveitis. Quitting smoking and avoiding second hand smoke is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle and eye health.
