Smoking and Eye Health

Smoking causes plenty of health problems, including heart disease, cancer, and lung disease, but it can also be harmful to your eye health. Several eye problems are made worse by smoking. Be sure to visit us at New Vision Optical Wilmette in Wilmette frequently if you are a smoker.

Cataracts

If you smoke, you are at an increased risk of developing cataracts. Cataracts form and cloud your eye’s naturally clear lenses. They can cause blurry vision and often require surgery to remove them.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration

This is when the retina is damaged and you lose your central vision. Studies show that smokers or those who smoked previously were more likely to get this condition rather than those who have never smoked. Sometimes surgery or medicine can help but it’s not always a guarantee.

Dry Eyes

If you already have dry eyes then smoking can further aggravate this condition, leading you to have red eyes or eyes that sting or burn.

Optic Nerve Issues

People who smoke risk having more optic nerve problems. Damage to the nerve can lead to blindness. Smoking can also increase other risk factors that can lead to glaucoma, which is a disease that affects the optic nerve.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Those that smoke and have diabetes are at a higher risk of getting diabetic retinopathy. This is a disease that damages the blood vessels in the eye. It causes distorted or blurry vision and even blindness. Treatment includes surgery or medication.

Uveitis

Smoking can lead to Uveitis, which affects the uvea part of the eye. This is a layer in the eyewall. When the layer becomes inflamed, it will cause pain, red-eye, and vision problems.

Secondhand Smoke

Children and toddlers can be at risk for the effects of secondhand smoke. Children as young as six can begin to show signs of eye damage if they are around smoke.

Visit an Eye Doctor

The best thing you can do for your eye health is to quit smoking. Regular visits to our eye doctor in Wilmette can help you catch certain conditions early. Call us today at (847) 230-4796 to make an appointment with our eye doctor at New Vision Optical Wilmette.