How smoking harms your vision?

Answers (3)

• Danielle may

  02/27/2015

  Smokers significantly increase their risk of developing a cataract, macular degeneration, uveitis, diabetic retinopathy, dry eyes and infant eye disease compared with non-smokers. It's never too late to quit smoking and enjoy the benefits of a healthier lifestyle and, ultimately, a healthier body. Quitting smoking at any age can reduce your risk of developing many sight-threatening eye conditions.

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• cherry_bloss0m

  03/27/2015

  It's no secret that cigarette smoking is linked to many health problems, or that it's the leading worldwide cause of preventable death. Not as well known are the damaging effects it can have on the eyes and, ultimately, your vision.Researchers have found that tobacco use can contribute to certain vision-threatening conditions. If you're a smoker, you will get higher risk to get: 1. Cataracts-smoking doubles the risk of changes in the lens of your eye, resulting in cloudy vision. 2.Age-related macular degeneration- Smoking triples the risk of this disease, the leading cause of blindness in those over age 65. It also increases the severity of the disease.3. Glaucoma-You significantly increase your risk of developing primary open-angle glaucoma, another leading cause of blindness.4. Diabetic retinopathy (for those with diabetes)-Smoking increases your risk of diabetes and its complications, including potentially blinding changes in the blood vessels inside your eye.5. Dry eyes-The irritating effects of cigarette smoke can cause your eyes to become red, dry and scratchy.6. Problems with contact lens wear-You may find your contact lenses aren't comfortable-a result of the dry eye effects of smoking. This could lead to corneal ulcerations, which can cause blindness.7. Graves' Disease-Tobacco use increases your chance of developing eye complications related to thyroid disease. 8. Uveitis-Smoking doubles your risk of developing inflammation inside your eye that can lead to cataracts and glaucoma.9. Birth defects-Women who smoke during pregnancy increase the risk of having a baby with lazy eye and facial defects involving the eyes.10. Second-hand smoke-Your smoking can also cause eye issues in the people around you. Those exposed to second-hand smoke can also have problems with dry eye and contact lens comfort.

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• CASPAR

  03/31/2015

  The effect of smoking on your eyes and vision are significant. You know that smoking tobacco or being exposed to tobacco smoke can cause damage to your health, but it can also increase your risk for developing a number of eye disorders and diseases including irritated eyes,smoking can cause chronic redness of your eyes. Tobacco smoke, even passive smoke inhaled by children, can alter the tear film of eyes, exacerbating dry eye syndrome and allergic eye conditions.Macular degeneration,cataracts,vascular disease.Smoking contributes to the development of arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, that can contribute to or worsen vascular disease of the eyes. Artery and vein occlusion and optic nerve damage could cause significant vision loss or blindness.Optic Neuropathy: Smoking decreases blood flow throughout the body, which could result in damage to the optic nerve. Toxic optic neuropathy, caused by methyl alcohol consumption, results in rapid deterioration in vision and irreversible blindness if not treated within 24 to 48 hours.

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