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How Smoking Affects Your Eye Health

How Smoking Affects Your Eye Health

Tobacco smoking is the number one most avoidable cause of premature death and disease in the U.S. It has been linked to serious health problems such as cancer, lung disease, and heart disease. Are you aware that it can also cause damage to your eyes? Read on as the San Antonio Vision Source Castle Hills team shares why optometrists recommend kicking the habit. 

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Patients with age-related macular degeneration lose their central vision and ability to see fine details. Recent studies indicate that smokers have three to four times the risk of developing AMD. 

Cataracts

Heavy smoking decreases the eye’s antioxidants, causing cataracts and other eye diseases. Smoking more than doubles one’s risk for developing cataracts, with increased risk the more cigarettes smoked in a day. 

Diabetic Retinopathy

Studies indicate smoking increases a patient’s risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a diabetic complication in which the eye’s blood vessels are damaged. It can cause eye floaters, difficulty perceiving colors, blurry vision, and blindness. Patients with diabetes should see their eye doctor at least once a year. 

Dry Eye Syndrome

Optometrists have linked smoking to dry eye syndrome, indicating smokers are two times more likely to suffer from dry eyes than non-smokers. This condition can cause redness, burning, and stinging of the eyes. 

Optic Neuropathy

Smoking limits the amount of blood flow in one’s body, increasing the risk for glaucoma and other optic nerve problems. If left untreated by an eye care professional, damage to the optic nerve can lead to irreversible.

Thyroid Eye Disease

Much like diabetes, smokers with thyroid disease are at greater risk of developing thyroid eye disease. Also known as Graves' disease, this condition causes bulging of the eyes and vision loss. If you are diagnosed with thyroid disease, your eye doctor will recommend that you stop smoking as soon as possible. 

Schedule an Appointment Today!

At Vision Source Castle Hills, your eye care specialists in San Antonio, we specialize in eye disease management. If you have noticed a change in vision, we are here to help. Call us at (210) 988-9517 or visit us online to schedule an appointment.