As a smoker, you probably know that there are a lot of health risks from this habit, but you might not realize that smoking can also have a lot of negative effects on your eyes. If you currently smoke, you should consider quitting. If you cannot quit or choose not to, you should take your eye health seriously by visiting an eye doctor each year. Here are some of the risks smoking places on your eyes, and these are things you should be aware of if you plan on continuing your habit.
Cataracts
Cataracts are small pieces of tissue that obstruct the eye. They cause cloudiness with vision, and they will have to be removed at some point if you develop them. While anyone can develop cataracts, people who smoke have a much higher chance of getting them. Visiting an eye doctor for an eye exam is a good way to find out if you have cataracts. If so, your eye doctor will discuss the options you have for treating this problem.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness in some cases, and smoking will increase your chances of developing this problem. Glaucoma occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve in your eye, and this happens when your eyes have too much pressure on them.
Dry Eyes
A lot of people suffer from a condition known as dry eyes, and this can be a very irritating problem. When you have dry eyes, you may feel the need to use eye drops often, and dry eyes can even be painful. Smokers are more likely to develop this common eye condition, and it is normally treated simply by using eye drops daily. Smokers are likely to get dry eyes simply from the way smoke exposure irritates the eyes and affects circulation.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is another eye condition that can lead to blindness, and again, smokers are at a higher risk for developing this condition. This eye condition affects the retina, and it robs a person of clear, sharp vision. Over time, this can cause your eyesight to be so bad that you can no longer drive or even read. Eventually, you may lose your eyesight altogether.
Smoking puts you at a higher risk for all of these eye problems, and you can reduce your risks by quitting. To find out how healthy your eyes are, visit an eye doctor like those at West Bay Eye.
Share27 February 2017
As a child, I used to spend my days roaming through the woods. I climbed trees, smelled the flowers, and laid in the grass looking at the clouds. My love for nature continued through my teen years, but when I turned 23, I began to sneeze whenever I left my home. I could no longer enjoy my outdoor hikes and I started taking antihistamines so I could at least open my windows on warm days. My allergies got worse though and I met with an allergist who completed a variety of skin tests. I started receiving allergy shots and my allergist taught me about natural cleaning processes and sinus rinses. The injections and natural treatments improved my quality of life greatly. Even if you do not want to start allergy injections, you have a variety of options that can lessen your symptoms, and you should learn what these options are.
