Quitting Smoking to Improve Eye Health | Great American Smoke Out

​We all probably know that smoking increases our risk of lung and heart disease, but it can also increase your risk of various types of eye problems. Although quitting smoking may be challenging, it is one of the best things you can do for your health. November 15th is the Great American Smoke Out, and it is a great time to consider kicking the habit. 

The Link Between Smoking and Eye Diseases

Smoking damages the blood vessels throughout the body, including the eyes. It is thought that smoking also reduces the protective nutrients to the eyes. The result is smokers are at an increased risk of certain types of eye diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people that smoke are twice as likely to develop age-related macular degeneration.

Macular degeneration is an eye disease that involves damage to the macula, which is a part of the retina. Eventually, it leads to a loss of central vision. Although medication and supplements may slow the progression of macular degeneration, there is currently no cure.

The CDC reports that smokers are also up to three times as likely to develop cataracts as opposed to people that do not smoke. Cataracts involve the clouding of the lens in the eye, which causes blurry vision. Smoking also may increase the severity of dry eyes and increase your risk of damage to the optic nerve and diabetic retinopathy.

Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke is also harmful during pregnancy. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, smoking during pregnancy increases the risk your baby will develop meningitis, which can lead to eye infections and vision problems. Women that smoke are also at an increased risk of giving birth prematurely. Premature babies are more likely than full-term babies to develop retinopathy, which may cause vision loss. 
​

Benefits of Quitting Smoking 

The sooner you quit smoking, the better, but regardless of how long you have been a smoker, it is beneficial to stop. Quitting smoking will lower your risk of developing certain eye diseases, but that is not all. According to Smokefree.gov, quitting smoking also has several additional benefits, including:

• Decreased risk of lung disease
• Lower risk of heart disease and some types of cancer
• Improved circulation
• Reduced risk of bone loss
• Improved blood flow to wounds 

​

Methods and Treatments to Quit Smoking 

The addiction to nicotine can be challenging to break, but there are several methods that are often helpful, including the following:

Nicotine replacement therapy - Nicotine replacement therapy is available over the counter in the form of skin patches, gum, and lozenges. Prescription nasal sprays and inhalers are also options. Nicotine replacement therapy provides a lower and slower absorbed dose of nicotine than cigarettes. It helps by slowly wearing you off nicotine and controlling withdrawal symptoms.

Medication - Prescription medication is also an option to help quit smoking. There are a few different drugs, including Zyban and Chantix. Both medications help decrease nicotine cravings and also ease withdrawal symptoms. They are typically taken for about three months, but if needed, they may be taken a little longer to prevent a relapse. 

Alternative therapies - Alternative therapies, such as hypnosis and acupuncture, are not scientifically proven to help with smoking cessation, but people that do not want to use prescription medication or nicotine replacement therapy may want to give them a try. 

Counseling - Counseling, such as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn new ways to deal with stress and the side effects of nicotine withdrawals to help you quit smoking. Smoking cessation classes and support groups may also work well for some people. Counseling and support groups can be combined with nicotine replacement therapy to increase the chances of successfully quitting.

Whatever methods you choose, quitting smoking is good for your eye health, as well as your overall well-being. It is also essential to get regular eye exams to identify any vision changes early due to smoking or otherwise. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an exam with one of our eye doctors, please phone us at 508-746-8600.