Smoking is harmful to overall health. Many people do not know it can also harm your vision. Cigarette smoke contains thousands of chemicals. These chemicals damage the body. Most importantly, the eyes can be harmed. Over time, smoking can cause serious eye problems. These problems can lead to vision loss or blindness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking can cause eye conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration. These are major causes of vision loss in the U.S. Smoking damages delicate eye tissues. It also slows down blood flow and adds stress on the eyes. These problems make it harder for the eyes to stay healthy. Even secondhand smoke can harm the eyes. It can affect children and people with existing eye problems.

Eye Conditions Linked to Smoking

Smoking is linked to many serious eye problems. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) and the CDC, smoking can cause:

1. Cataracts: Cataracts make the lens of the eye cloudy. This causes blurry vision and can lead to blindness. Smoking adds to the risk of cataracts. Other risks include aging, diabetes, and too much exposure to sunlight.
2. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): AMD affects the macula in your eyes. This part in your eyes helps you see details clearly. Tasks like reading and driving become harder. Smokers are more likely to develop AMD than those who do not smoke.
3. Uveitis: Smoking can lead to uveitis. This disease affects the eye’s middle layer, called the uvea. It makes this part of the eye irritated. This irritation can cause redness, pain, and vision issues.
4. Thyroid Eye Disease (TED): People with thyroid issues, like Grave’s disease, are at risk of TED. Smokers with this condition have a higher chance of developing eye problems. TED can cause bulging eyes, double vision, and vision loss.
5. Dry Eye Syndrome: Smoking irritates the eyes. It can slow down the eyes’ ability to create tears. Tears provide hydration for your eyes. Lack of moisture leads to discomfort and dryness. The chemicals in smoke make dry eyes worse and harder to manage.
6. Diabetic Retinopathy: Smoking increases risks for people with diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy damages blood vessels in the retina. This can lead to vision loss or blindness. Controlling blood sugar levels and quitting smoking can lower these risks.

Protecting Your Vision

The best way to protect your eyes is to quit smoking. According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), quitting smoking lowers the risk of developing eye diseases. Your eyes will start to recover, and your overall health will improve.

Here are some tips to protect your eyes:

• Quit Smoking: Look for resources or support groups to help you quit. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit. There are medicines and therapies that can support your journey to quit.
• Eat Healthy Foods: Add leafy greens like spinach and kale to your meals. Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and tuna, are also good for your eyes.
• Wear Sunglasses: Protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses. Look for sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Sunglasses help even on cloudy days.
• Get Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular check-ups with an eye doctor. Early notice of eye problems can lower your risk of serious diseases. If eye diseases run in your family, early care is especially important.

Visit Clinicas

Your eyes are important for living life to the fullest. Smoking can harm your vision and your quality of life. Quitting smoking and protecting your eyes can lessen the risk of vision problems. At Clinicas del Camino Real, Inc., we offer Vision Care Services, including eye exams, prescriptions, eyeglasses, and treatments. 

Take the next step toward protecting your vision. Visit Clinicas to learn more about keeping your eyes healthy. We also offer Health Education Services to help you quit smoking. Our team is here to help you change your life for the better. Better health means better experiences.