An estimated 11.3% of adults in Florida smoke cigarettes. While this is slightly lower than the national average of 14%, it indicates that smoking remains a prevalent health concern in Tampa Bay and throughout the Sunshine State. While most understand the consequences of smoking on respiratory health, did you know that it can also impact your eye health?
Keep reading to explore how smoking affects your eyes and how quitting today can benefit your long-term ocular health.
Increased Risk of Vision Loss
Smoking increases your risk of vision loss from cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
- Smokers are two to three times more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers.
- Smokers are 6 to 8 times as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration than non-smokers.
- The more cigarettes a person smokes per day, the higher their chances of developing glaucoma.
- Smoking causes a higher incidence of retinopathy and accelerated retinopathy progression in type 1 diabetes patients. As a type 1 diabetic of over 35 years, Dr. Mahootchi at The Eye Clinic of Florida has a particular interest in diabetic retinopthy and its risk factors.
Smokers’ elevated risk of chronic eye conditions comes down to:
- Oxidative stress
Smoking exposes the body to various chemicals that increase free radical activity in the body. Free radicals contribute to oxidative damage, which can impact eye proteins and lipids.
- Reduced blood flow
Nicotine is a vasoconstrictor, meaning it constricts your blood vessels. This reduces blood flow throughout your body, including blood flow to your eyes. Blood carries oxygen and essential nutrients to your eyes, so when this circulation is limited, it increases the risk of tissue damage.
- Inflammation
The chemicals in cigarette smoke trigger increased inflammation. Inflammation can contribute to the onset of various eye conditions, including uveitis and age-related macular degeneration.
Smoking and Dry Eye
Smoking can irritate your eyes and damage the outermost layer of the tear film, leading to dry eyes. This can lead to redness, irritation, and a gritty or burning sensation in the eyes.
It’s never too late to quit smoking and protect your eyes. Schedule an eye exam today at The Eye Clinic of Florida in Tampa Bay to receive personalized eye care guidance.