If you smoke, you’ve likely heard about the risks to your lungs and heart. Did you know smoking also has a significant impact on your eyesight?
Many people are unaware that tobacco use can contribute to serious eye conditions and even lead to permanent vision loss. Understanding this connection could be the motivation you need to protect both your health and eyesight.
At Central Valley Eye Medical Group, we want you to be informed about every factor that can affect your vision. With locations in Stockton, Modesto, and Manteca, CA, our team of board-certified, fellowship-trained ophthalmologists is here to help you preserve your eye health for the long term.
How Smoking Harms Your Eyes
Smoking exposes your body to thousands of harmful chemicals, and many of them negatively impact blood vessels, including those in your eyes. This can lead to:
- Reduced oxygen to the retina, impairing function over time.
- Increased inflammation, which can damage delicate eye tissues.
- A higher risk of blood clots, interfering with circulation to the eye.
Over time, these effects can increase the risk of serious eye diseases.
Eye Conditions Linked to Smoking
Here are some of the most common vision problems associated with smoking:
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): According to the FDA, smokers are up to four times more likely to develop AMD, a leading cause of blindness in older adults. This condition damages the macula, the part of your retina responsible for central vision, making it harder to read, drive, or recognize faces.
- Cataracts: Smoking significantly increases the risk of developing cataracts, which cloud the eye’s lens and require surgery to correct. The toxins in cigarette smoke induce oxidative stress that breaks down proteins in the lens.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: For smokers with diabetes, the risk of vision-threatening complications increases immensely. Smoking worsens blood sugar control and damages the retinal blood vessels, accelerating the progression of retinopathy.
- Dry Eye Syndrome: Smoking can reduce tear production, leading to chronic dryness, discomfort, and blurry vision. It also increases your tear evaporation rate, exacerbating symptoms and affecting daily quality of life.
Protect Your Vision Today
If you smoke or have a history of smoking, schedule an eye exam with our trusted team. Early detection and consistent care can help prevent or slow the progression of smoking-related vision issues.
Call Central Valley Eye Medical Group at 1(800) 244-9907 and book an appointment at our Stockton, Modesto, or Manteca, CA, locations.
