Our eyesight is one of our most treasured senses. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 34.1 million adults in the United States currently smoke cigarettes. Smoking cigarettes does increase your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and cancer, but did you know that smoking can also harm your eye health and vision? By choosing to avoid nicotine and vaping, you can significantly reduce your risk for these eye conditions. The power to protect your eye health is in your hands. Need more convincing? Here are a few eye problems that are made worse by smoking and vaping:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
But here’s the silver lining-quitting smoking can significantly diminish this risk. The chemicals present in cigarettes and vapes can wreak havoc on the retina when they enter the bloodstream, but the good news is that this damage is not permanent. It can be reversed with the proper steps, such as quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, and regular eye check-ups.
Cataracts If you smoke, you are at increased risk of getting cataracts. A cataract is the clouding of your eye’s naturally clear lens. It causes blurry vision and makes colors look dull, faded, or yellowish. Cataracts are removed with surgery.
Diabetic Retinopathy Smokers who also have diabetes risk getting diabetic Retinopathy. Diabetic Retinopathy is when blood vessels in the eye are damaged. It causes blurry or distorted vision and possibly blindness. Treatment includes medication or surgery.
Dry Eye This is when your eyes do not produce enough tears. Smoking with dry eyes will make your eyes more likely to feel scratchy, sting, burn, or red.
Glaucoma Glaucoma is a very progressive eye pressure issue in which the optic nerve is damaged. Smoking and vaping can increase this pressure in the eye and advance the disease.
Uveitis Smoking can also lead to a disease that affects part of the eye called the uvea. This is the middle layer of the eye wall. This disease causes red eye, pain, and vision problems.
Ready to Quit? Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Discuss options to stop smoking with your primary care doctor, and check out the American Cancer Society, which has several resources to help you. Seeking help is a sign of strength and a crucial step towards better eye health. You have a support system to guide you through this journey, making the path to quitting less daunting.
Breaking the habit of smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke is the best investment you can make in your long-term eye health. Remember, your eyesight is one of your most treasured senses, and by prioritizing your eye health, you’re making a significant investment in your overall well-being.
You have the power to protect your eyes, and it starts with a commitment to quit smoking.
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