Six Ways Smoking Impacts Your Eyes | Great American Smoke Out

Smoking can have adverse effects on your heart, lungs, and overall health. It can also affect your eyes. November 21st, 2020, is the Great American Smoke Out. If you are considering quitting smoking, now is a good time to go for it!

Keep reading below to learn how smoking can damage your eyes and different strategies to quit. 
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How smoking affects the eyes

Smoking can affect your eyes in several ways that threaten vision.  Usually, the longer you smoke, the more damage you may sustain to your eyes. Smoking may damage the eyes in the following ways:

Damage the blood vessels in the eyes: Cigarette smoking damages the blood vessels throughout the body, and that includes the eyes. Damage to the blood vessels in the eyes can lead to the development of clots in the arteries and veins.

May damage the optic nerve: Smoking appears to be linked to an increased risk of damage to the optic nerve and may increase the risk of glaucoma. According to the Mayo Clinic, glaucoma is one of the main causes of vision loss in people over age 60.

Increased risk of age-related macular degeneration: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), if you smoke, it doubles your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD). AMD involves damage to the retina, and over time, can lead to vision loss.

Interferes with protective nutrients: Smoking may interfere with getting the proper nutrients to your eyes. One of the adverse effects of nicotine in cigarettes is it diminishes the absorption of minerals and vitamins in the body. Nicotine may also increase how fast nutrients are drained from the body. Fewer nutrients to the eyes may increase the risk of eye problems.

May increase the risk of dry eye symptoms: According to the New York State Department of Health, people that smoke are about twice as likely to develop dry eyes as non-smokers. Dry eyes cause symptoms, such as burning, stinging, and redness.

Increases the risk of uveitis: Uveitis involves inflammation of the middle layer of the eye wall called the uvea. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, smokers are at an increased risk of developing uveitis. 
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Strategies to quit smoking 

Quitting smoking is a great way to improve your health and protect your vision. There are several ways to kick the habit. There is no one way that works best for everyone. Below are some strategies that may help.

Nicotine replacement therapy: Nicotine replacement therapy gives a lower dose of nicotine than you would get smoking cigarettes. The controlled delivery of nicotine helps decrease withdrawal symptoms. Nicotine replacement therapy is purchased over the counter. It comes in the form of gum, skin patches, and lozenges.

Medication: Different prescription medication is available that may help someone quit smoking. The medication helps reduce nicotine withdrawal. Smoking cessation medications available include Chantix and Zyban. Usually, the medications are taken for a few months until withdrawal symptoms are no longer an issue.

Hypnosis: Hypnosis is considered an alternative treatment for smoking cessation, and some people may find it effective. Although there are no studies that prove hypnosis works, it is a way to stop smoking without medications, which appeals to some people.

Smoking cessation classes: Classes to stop smoking are often available through hospitals and community agencies. Classes provide education, support, and strategies for quitting.

In some cases, a combination of smoking cessation methods may be most effective. Quitting smoking can improve your overall well-being and also reduce your risk of eye diseases. It is also vital to get regular eye exams to spot any damage that smoking may have contributed to.

We hope the information above helps you participate in the Great America Smoke Out. If you have any questions about how smoking affects the eyes, we are happy to help. Also, if you would like to ask about whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600. 
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