Key Takeaways
Smoking harms delicate eye tissues, raising the likelihood of conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Moreover, secondhand smoke and residue can irritate the eyes, and though research is ongoing, e-cigarettes might impact eye health as well.
Smoking affects various body systems, and the eyes are no exception.
Harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke enter the bloodstream, damaging sensitive tissues in the retina, lens, and macula.
This leads to a heightened risk of developing serious conditions such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, which can lead to irreversible vision loss.
The Link Between Smoking and Eye Damage
Cigarette smoking introduces a variety of toxic compounds that cause inflammation in the eyes and throughout the body.
Nicotine raises blood pressure and heart rate, resulting in restricted tiny blood vessels in the eye.
This restriction can result in fluid buildup in the retina, optic nerve damage, and an increased risk of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Even after quitting, damage to the retina’s base membrane can persist, keeping fine blood vessels constricted, according to Gregg Feinerman, MD, a board-certified eye surgeon.
This damage may enable waste products to accumulate under the retina, potentially worsening dry AMD into severe wet AMD.
Additionally, current smokers often respond less effectively to AMD treatments.
Genetics contribute to up to 70% of AMD cases, and smoking heightens the risk for individuals with particular genetic traits.
According to the Macular Society, a third of AMD cases arise from a combination of genetics and smoking.
“While you can’t change your genetics, you can manage the factors within your control,” states Taariq Mohammed, MD, assistant professor and vitreoretinal surgeon at the University of Maryland.
The extent to which smoking increases risk may slightly differ among individuals, yet reducing or quitting smoking should always be a priority.
Handling cigarettes can also inflict superficial damage on the eyes.
Tar and nicotine can contaminate contact lenses, resulting in burning sensations and dryness, explains Jacquie Bowen, OD, president of the American Optometric Association.
Continuous irritation of the eye surface may raise the risk of developing cataracts, along with dry eye and uveitis, leading to redness and inflammation of the iris.
Secondhand Smoke Can Also Damage the Eye
In addition to the systemic effects of smoking, handling cigarettes and exposure to smoke can lead to eye irritation.
“The tar and nicotine can contaminate your contact lenses and cause burning sensations, contributing to dry eye,” says Bowen.
Research from Hong Kong indicates that young children exposed to secondhand smoke show signs of damage to a critical area of the eye that nourishes the retina.
Exposing individuals to just one cigarette daily produced observable effects.
Pregnant women who smoke may also transmit harmful substances to the placenta, increasing the risk of eye disorders in fetuses and infants.
This includes conditions like strabismus and optic nerve underdevelopment, two leading causes of childhood blindness.
Additionally, smoking during pregnancy can lead to premature birth, which further heightens the risk of vision problems in newborns.
“Once damaged, the retina isn’t adept at healing, so any history of smoking can add to the risk of developing AMD,” Bowen notes.
This underscores the importance of regular eye exams for individuals with such a history.
What About Vaping and Smoking Weed?
Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers heat and vaporize a liquid containing nicotine and flavoring.
Bowen indicates the nicotine in these products can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, which is detrimental to eye health.
A 2017 study revealed some chemicals found in e-cigarettes could exacerbate oxidative stress and inflammation, harmful to eye tissues.
Recent studies show users of e-cigarettes are more likely to experience moderate to severe dry eye and reduced tear film quality compared to healthy non-smokers.
Additionally, e-cigarette usage may produce formaldehyde, a known eye irritant and possible carcinogen.
Mohammed confirms that while the connection between cigarette smoking and eye diseases like AMD is well-documented, e-cigarettes are newer, and limited human studies evaluate their long-term effects on eye health.
“Certain compounds in e-cigarettes and vapes have shown negative retinal effects in cell studies.
It’s certainly plausible that they could harm the eyes, though the severity remains unknown at this point,” Mohammed adds.
Research on the implications of smoking cannabis is also low in conclusiveness.
Some studies indicated lower eye pressure among cannabis smokers, which could alleviate glaucoma effects.
However, other research points to the release of inflammatory compounds akin to those in cigarette smoke.
While awaiting further studies, Mohammed advises steering clear of e-cigarettes and vaping.
Can You Do Anything to Offset the Effects of Smoking?
The most beneficial action is to quit smoking completely.
“Stopping smoking at any age can notably lessen your risk of developing serious eye conditions,” Bowen emphasizes.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends regular eye exams for those who smoke or have in the past.
AMD can develop silently, so having an optometrist evaluate your eyes annually can catch potential issues early.
A balanced diet rich in antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables is also encouraged to help manage inflammation caused by smoking.
Embracing certain healthy habits may also decrease your risk of developing AMD, including:
– Regular exercise
– Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels
– Eating a nutritional diet featuring leafy greens, antioxidants, and fish
– Undergoing annual comprehensive eye exams
