The health effects of smoking have been documented thoroughly. While most of the discussion centered on lung disease, cancer and other diseases, let us not forget that smoking also affects the eyes. In today’s post, Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry shares insight on the effects of smoking on the eyes.
- Dry eye syndrome. Dry eye is a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears. Prolonged exposure to smoke can cause dryness, as well as introduce particulates that can cause redness, irritation and redness.
- Cataracts. Cataracts are characterized by a clouding of the eye’s natural lens, which results in blurring, distortion or loss of color in vision. Cataracts can be caused by one or more factors, from genetic predisposition and diabetes, to causes like eye injury, prolonged exposure to UV rays — and smoking.
- Age-related macular degeneration. AMD happens when the macula, the part of the retina that’s located at the back of the eye, is damaged. Its symptoms include loss or degradation of central vision. Currently, there is no known cure for AMD, though there are processes that can help slow down its effects. Several studies have pointed to smoking increasing the risk of AMD.
- Diabetic retinopathy. Smokers who already have diabetes or are predisposed to having it are at a greater risk of getting diabetic retinopathy. It is characterized by damaged blood vessels in the eye, and causes blurry or distorted vision, and can lead to blindness if left untreated.
- Glaucoma. Smokers are at a higher risk of damage to the optic nerves, including glaucoma.
- Uveitis. Uveitis is inflammation of the uvea, or the middle part of the eyeball. There are three types of uveitis: anterior, intermediate and posterior uveitis, which affect the front, middle and back of the eyes, respectively. While uveitis is associated with other diseases like viruses, parasites or injuries, smoking increases the risk of getting it.
- Thyroid eye disease. TED, also known as Graves’ eye disease, is a disease of the thyroid gland. One of its symptoms is bulging eyes. Smoking increases the risk of worsening TED’s symptoms.
If you notice any of the symptoms described above, it’s best that you visit an eye care specialist for a consultation. Our team at Northern Virginia Doctors of Optometry are ready to help. Give us a call at (703) 573-1200, or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We serve Falls Church, VA, and the surrounding communities.