How Smoking Affects Your Eyes and Vision

Imagine waking up one day and realizing the world has lost its sharpness. Colours are duller, details are blurry, and reading your favourite book has become a struggle. What if I told you that this could be the result of a habit you might not associate with your eyes at all — smoking?

While we often hear about the dangers smoking poses to our lungs and heart, its impact on our vision is a silent threat many overlook. As we celebrate Healthy Vision Month, there’s no better time to shed light on how smoking can steal your sight.

This article explores how smoking increases the risk of various eye diseases and what you can do to protect your vision.

How Smoking Affects Your Eyes

Smoking introduces thousands of harmful chemicals into your body, and these toxins don’t just harm your lungs — they also wreak havoc on your eyes. Here are some of the ways smoking can damage your eye health:

Increased Risk of Cataracts

Cataracts are a common eye condition where the eye's lens becomes cloudy, leading to blurred vision and, if untreated, blindness. Smokers are at a higher risk of developing cataracts compared to non-smokers.

In fact, studies have shown that smoking can increase the likelihood of cataract formation. The chemicals in cigarette smoke cause oxidative stress and damage the proteins in the eye’s lens, leading to the development of cataracts at an earlier age.

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50. It affects the central part of the retina, leading to a gradual loss of sharp, central vision.

Smoking is the most significant modifiable risk factor for AMD, with smokers being up to four times more likely to develop this condition. Smoking accelerates the damage to the retina by reducing blood flow, increasing oxidative stress, and promoting the accumulation of harmful substances in the macula.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Smokers with diabetes face an even greater risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Smoking exacerbates this damage, leading to faster progression of the disease and a higher likelihood of vision loss.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Smokers are more likely to suffer from dry eye syndrome, a condition where the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly.

The irritants in cigarette smoke can cause inflammation of the eye’s surface and reduce tear production, leading to discomfort, redness, and a gritty sensation in the eyes.

Uveitis

Uveitis is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye. It can lead to pain, redness, and vision loss. Smoking can cause an increase in the risk of uveitis. This is likely due to its impact on the immune system and its ability to increase inflammation throughout the body, including in the eyes.

Optic Nerve Damage

The optic nerve is essential for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. Smoking can damage the optic nerve by reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of conditions like glaucoma, where increased pressure in the eye can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss.

Resources to Quit Smoking

Quitting smoking is one of the best steps to protect your vision and overall health. While it’s not easy, many resources are available to help you. The benefits of quitting are almost immediate — your blood pressure and heart rate begin to normalize within hours. Within weeks, your circulation and lung function start to improve, reducing the risk of eye damage.

Here are some resources that can help you on your journey:

Quitlines

Many countries offer free telephone quitlines, where trained counsellors provide support and advice. In Canada, you can call the toll-free Quitline at 1-866-366-3667 for assistance.

Online Support

Websites like Smokers’ Helpline offer online tools, chat rooms, and forums where you can connect with others trying to quit.

Applications

Several apps help you quit smoking by tracking your progress, providing tips, and offering daily motivation. Some popular options include QuitNow! and KWIT.

Counselling and Behavioural Therapy

Professional counselling or cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) can be effective in helping you quit smoking by addressing the psychological aspects of addiction.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)

NRT products like patches, gum, lozenges, and inhalers can help reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. These are available over the counter at most pharmacies. Speak to your local healthcare provider for more information.

Prescription Medications

Medications like varenicline (Chantix) and bupropion (Zyban) can help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Your healthcare provider should prescribe and monitor these.

Eye Care Services at Aspen Eye Care

Our comprehensive eye exams detect early signs of smoking-related eye conditions, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. Utilizing advanced diagnostic technology, we thoroughly assess your vision and ocular health, promptly identifying and managing any issues.

Schedule an Appointment in Sherwood Park, AB

Take the first step toward protecting your vision during Healthy Vision Month — schedule an appointment at Aspen Eye Care. Whether you're currently smoking or have quit, our personalized care plans protect your vision and address any damage smoking may have caused.