Smoking is a harmful habit that can bring about detrimental effects on your health. It is a leading cause of respiratory illnesses, heart disease, and cancer. Many do not know that smoking can also cause significant harm to their eye health. Read on to learn more about how smoking impacts eye health.

Dry Eye Syndrome

The eyes can produce inadequate or poor-quality tears that cause the eye surface to lack moisture and lubrication, resulting in dry eye syndrome. Smoking increases your risk of developing this condition.

Studies show that individuals who smoke have a higher likelihood of experiencing dry eye syndrome than people who do not smoke. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that lead to low tear production and irritate the eyes.

Cataracts

A clouding can develop in your eye lens, called a cataract. The condition can cause vision loss and negatively affect your quality of life.

Cataracts have the following symptoms:

• Blurred or cloudy vision

• Light sensitivity

• Dull or faded colors

• Difficulty seeing at night

• Seeing halos around lights

• Difficulty doing tasks that require fine detail or reading

• Double vision in one eye

• Difficulty judging distances with depth perception

Smoking increases the risk of cataracts. People who smoke have a double chance of developing cataracts than people who do not smoke. Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that damage proteins in your eye lens, leading to the development of cataracts.

Optic Neuropathy

The optic nerve joins your eye to your brain. A damaged optic nerve causes a condition called optic neuropathy. Smoking increases the risk of the development of this condition. People who smoke have a higher chance of getting this condition than nonsmokers.

Cigarette smoke contains chemicals that damage blood vessels supplying nutrients and oxygen to your optic nerve. As a result, you develop optic neuropathy.

Macular Degeneration

You increase your risk of developing macular degeneration by smoking. The condition affects your retina and can cause vision loss. Studies indicate that smokers are three times more likely to get macular degeneration than people who do not smoke. Cigarette smoke has chemicals that can damage blood vessels in your eyes, resulting in macular degeneration.

Uveitis

Uveitis is inflammation of your eye's middle layer. It can cause vision loss. Studies show that smoking increases your risk for uveitis. People who smoke have a higher risk of developing it than nonsmokers. Chemicals in cigarette smoke can cause inflammation and irritate the eyes.

Quit Smoking 

The solution to reducing your risk of developing eye problems like those discussed is to quit the habit. Doing so will help you maintain good eye health and overall health. Smokers should understand the risks associated with smoking.

They should know the danger they expose their eye and vision health to through smoking. Doing so will encourage them to quit the habit to reduce their risk of developing severe eye conditions. 

It is vital to note that quitting smoking protects your eyes and general health. Seek help from a healthcare provider if you struggle to stop. They can guide and help you quit the habit for your well-being.

For more about smoking and eye health, visit Bright Eyes Vision at our office in Plymouth, Indiana. Call (574) 936-2272 to book an appointment today.