Everyone knows that smoking can have a tremendously negative impact on systemic health. What you may not know is that smoking is also related to a number of eye conditions and can significantly increase your risk for vision troubles.
Posted May 14, 2012 by Silverstein Eye Centers
Eye Conditions Related to Smoking
Smoking can lead to redness of the eyes due to irritation. It can also lead to chronic dry eyes or excessive tearing. While these conditions are more of a nuisance than a medical concern, smoking can also lead to substantial vision problems including:
- Cataracts – By reducing the amount of antioxidants in your eyes, smoking can increase your risk for this vision disorder
- Macular degeneration – Smokers are sour times more likely to develop this condition than nonsmokers. However, there is no evidence that quitting reduces your risks
- Arteriosclerosis – Arteriosclerosis can impact your optic nerve and lead to complete blindness
- Optic neuropathy – Decreased blood flow can damage your optic nerve and, like arteriosclerosis, lead to complete blindness
Because these conditions can best be treated when caught early on, it is essential that smokers see an eye doctor with greater regularity than nonsmokers. One of our Kansas City eye doctors can discuss this with you further during your regularly scheduled eye exams.
If you are a smoker living in or around Kansas City, Missouri, please contact Silverstein Eye Centers for an eye exam today.