We all know smoking can cause a host of problematic conditions in every major organ of the human body like heart disease, stroke and cancer. These concerns have been at the forefront of the movement to quit smoking. But is there a link between smoking and our eyesight?

The answer is, yes. Smoking can in fact do considerable damage to our eyes. Yet it’s often overlooked in the broader statistical picture.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “People who smoke are twice as likely as nonsmokers to develop uveitis, a serious condition affecting the uvea, or middle layer of the eye. Smokers are also at greater risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, a vision-stealing disease affecting the eye’s retina. Tobacco smoke, including second-hand smoke, is an irritant that worsens dry eye, a very uncomfortable eye condition that is most common in women after menopause.”*

Since smoking decreases blood flow and circulation to the eyes, it can accelerate the process of disease and increase your risk of developing serious optic problems sooner.

Gradual and Long-term Changes to Eyesight

Over the long term, exposure to tobacco smoke can increase the risk of developing many eye disorders and diseases. But a smoker could have deteriorating eyes and not realize it, because the changes often don’t happen overnight. The only way to know is to see an eye doctor regularly. Simple tests can reveal what could be lying beneath the surface and help determine any potential treatment options.

Let’s take a look at the 10 most common harmful effects of smoking on eyesight:

1. Blindness

Tobacco smoke causes biological changes in your eyes that can lead to vision loss.

2. Macular Degeneration

Also called age-related macular degeneration (AMD), it affects central vision. You need central vision to see objects clearly, especially for common tasks such as reading, recognizing faces and driving.

3. Diabetic Retinopathy

A diabetes care study showed smoking doubles diabetes risk. And many people with the condition also develop retinopathy, which can damage vision.

4. Cataracts

Heavy smokers are three times more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers.

5. Glaucoma

A direct link between smoking and glaucoma hasn’t been proven yet. But the connection is clear between smoking, high blood pressure, cataracts and diabetes – all are glaucoma risk factors.

6. Dry Eye Syndrome

This condition involves insufficient tears on the eye's surface, which are needed to keep the eye lubricated and healthy. Sufferers of dry eye can experience redness, itchiness, a "foreign body" sensation and even watery eyes.

7. Eye Irritation

Smoking can also cause conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the mucous membrane covering the whites (sclera) of the eye and the underside of the eyelids.

8. Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

People with hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) may experience TED, where their eyes protrude from the sockets, stretching the eyelids open wide. In some cases, coordinated movement of the eyes may also be affected and cause double vision. Symptoms of TED include eye pressure, irritation and drying, and damage to the cornea. Studies have shown that smoking may increase the risk of TED or worsen existing TED. If you have thyroid disease, you should quit smoking.

9. Uveitis

The uvea is a layer of tissue hidden from view in the middle layers of the eye. It’s rich in blood vessels that carry blood to and from the eye. Inflammation may block the flow of nourishing blood to your eye and damage sight. Studies have shown that smoking may increase the chances of developing uveitis.

10. Optic Neuropathy

People with poor diets who smoke heavily and drink excessive amounts of alcohol run the risk of developing optic-nerve-related vision loss (called tobacco-alcohol amblyopia). Certain optic nerve problems run in families (called Leber’s optic neuropathy). People with this condition who smoke have increased risk of vision loss.

How Can I Improve My Eyesight?

Quit smoking

The good news is that research shows many smoking related eye diseases can be reversed once you quit. Plus, quitting reduces high risk factors even when there is a long family history of a condition.

Adopt a healthy, active lifestyle

For example, a diet rich in leafy green vegetables and foods high in vitamin C and E is vital for a healthy body and healthy eyes.

See an eye doctor regularly

It’s a simple matter of preventive maintenance. With early detection and advanced technology, your eye doctor can provide accurate information that will help ensure that your eyes will be in the best shape possible.

I’m Ready to Seek Help: Resources for Quitting

Once you stop smoking, you’ve made a conscious choice to live longer and be healthier for yourself and your loved ones. Taking the first step is always the hardest, but looking back it will be the most rewarding step as well. There are many resources that can help. Below is a list of organizations that can aid in your journey to help you quit smoking:

• 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
• 1-855-DÉJELO-YA (1-855-335-3569
• CDC.gov/tips
• Smokefree.gov
• BeTobaccoFree.gov
• Women.Smokefree.gov
• Teen.Smokefree.gov
• Espanol.smokefree.gov
• Help for Smokers and Other Tobacco Users
• Quit Tobacco—Make Everyone Proud (for military staff, veterans, and families)

*(https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/smokers )

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