Smoking and Vision Loss | Great American Smoke Out

We all know that smoking cigarettes is bad for our health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, over 16 million people have diseases likely caused by smoking. Smoking-related illnesses include heart disease, cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. 

​But smoking may also contribute to an increased risk of vision loss. Smoking can 

damage the blood vessels that supply nutrients and oxygen to your eyes. If the blood vessels become damaged, that can lead to an increased risk of eye diseases and problems with eyesight. 

​November 18th is the Great American Smoke out. It is a great day to kick the habit and improve your overall health, including vision. Making quitting smoking a priority can help improve your eye health and protect your vision. 

Why make quitting smoking a priority? 

Whether you have been smoking for a few years or most of your life, it is never too late to quit. Continuing to smoke increases the chances of developing eye diseases.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if you smoke, you are at a higher risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts, which can both threaten vision. Smoking may also increase your risk of dry eyes and contributes to the development of wrinkles and lines.

The benefits of quitting smoking start quickly. According to the American Cancer Society, the health benefits of quitting smoking include:
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Timeframe	Benefit
A few days after quitting	Carbon monoxide levels in the blood drop to normal
Two weeks to three months	Circulation improves
One year	Risk of heart disease drops

​Strategies for quitting smoking 

Although it can be difficult to quit smoking, there are several things you can do to increase your chances of success. Consider the following suggestions:

Set a date to quit: Setting a specific date to quit helps you get mentally prepared. Consider a date that is not too far away but gives you a few weeks to develop a plan.

Make a list of why you want to quit: There are many benefits to quitting smoking, from improving your health to saving money. Make a list of all the reasons and keep it within sight. When you have days that you want to give up, take a look at that list to help you remember your goal.

Think about your smoking triggers: Certain things may increase your desire for a cigarette. For example, having a glass of wine or hanging out with friends after work might be triggers for smoking. Identifying your triggers can help you prepare and have a plan to avoid smoking when you do certain things.

Pick a method: There are many ways to quit smoking. Not every method is right for everyone. In some cases, a combination of strategies to quit works best. Options include:

• Nicotine replacement therapy: Gum, sprays, and lozenges provide varying levels of nicotine to help gradually wean you off cigarettes and decrease withdrawals. 
• Medication: Different medications are an option that helps reduce cravings and make it easier to deal with withdrawals.
• Cognitive behavior therapy: Cognitive behavior therapy is helpful to teach you new ways to manage triggers for cigarettes and the side effects of nicotine withdrawals.

Get support: Let family and friends know you are quitting smoking. It might help you be accountable. But more importantly, it will provide you with a support system to help you deal with cravings and cheer you on when you need it. There are also support groups both online and in-person that may be useful.

Cut yourself some slack: If you decide to quit and slip up and have a cigarette, don’t beat yourself up. Instead, realize we all have setbacks, but that does not mean your goal is unreachable.
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Remember, along with quitting smoking, getting regular eye exams is also important for your vision. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.