A cigarette produces more than 7,000 toxic chemicals. It’s been well-established that smoking causes cancer, as well as various lung and heart diseases. But, did you know it can also threaten your eyesight?

How Smoking Compromises Your Visual Health

Today, EyeSite of The Villages, your leading provider of eyeglasses and other trusted eye care services, explains how smoking puts your vision at risk.

Dry Eyes

When you smoke, toxins can compromise your tears’ lipid layer. As a result, your tears evaporate faster than usual. This is why many smokers have red, itchy, irritated eyes. Apart from stopping smoking, applying artificial tears can help manage this problem.

Cataracts

Cataracts are currently the number one cause behind vision loss worldwide. They often develop during your older years, when the protein and tissues in your lenses start to break down. Your eye doctor explains that smoking can speed up this process. Toxins in cigarettes increase the number of free radicals in your eyes. They promote oxidation, which may lead to cellular damage and cataract formation. We may suggest removing your cataracts surgically if they are causing severe visual impairment.

Macular Degeneration

The macula, a part of your retina, may deteriorate over time, leading to a condition known as macular degeneration. While this disease often develops as a result of the aging process, it may begin earlier for smokers. Cigarettes have potent vasoconstricting properties that may compromise blood circulation to your eyes. With poor blood flow, your macula won’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Vision loss may be inevitable if the condition isn’t treated. While there is no cure for macular degeneration, having an eye exam regularly, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and quitting smoking can halt its progression.

For more information about smoking and its harmful effects on your eyesight, call us at (352) 504-4560. We serve Fruitland Park and nearby FL areas.