How Smoking Affects Retinal Health
The chemicals found in cigarettes, cigars, vapes, and other tobacco products can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes, and particularly the retinas. The retinas are essential for vision as they capture light and translate it to help the brain process visual information. Learn more about how smoking can impact retinal health and how you can seek help from an experienced retina specialist.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
AMD occurs when the macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision, breaks down. Individuals with AMD keep their peripheral vision but have trouble seeing fine details and objects directly in front of them. While certain treatments can help prevent vision loss from worsening, there is currently no cure for AMD. Studies show that smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to develop the condition than people who have never smoked.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy occurs due to damage to the blood vessels in the retina from high blood sugar. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision, difficulty perceiving colors, and even blindness in severe cases. Mild cases could be managed with careful diabetes management, while advanced cases may require laser treatment, intravitreal injection therapies, or surgery. Smokers with diabetes face an increased risk of developing this condition.
Uveitis
Smoking can lead to a disease that affects part of the eye called the uvea, which is the middle layer of the eye wall. Uveitis is when this layer becomes irritated. Intermediate uveitis affects the retina and blood vessels just behind the lens (pars plana), as well as the gel in the center of the eye (vitreous). Symptoms include redness, pain, light sensitivity, blurred vision, and dark floating spots in the field of vision. Treatments include eye drops and antibiotics.
Other Eye Problems
In addition to retinal conditions, smoking can increase your risk of developing:
- Dry eye
- Cataracts
- Optic nerve issues
- Thyroid eye disease (also known as Graves’ eye disease)
- General eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, and headaches
Additionally, smoking during pregnancy can cause retinopathy of prematurity, a condition that can cause permanent vision loss or blindness in the baby.
Learn More About Retinal Health and Smoking
Smoking can have a negative impact on your retinal health. If you smoke, it’s important to attend regular eye appointments so your retina specialist can detect early signs of any retinal conditions. The best way to reduce your risk of developing a retinal condition is to quit smoking. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with a local retina specialist, contact the experienced team at Retinal Consultants Medical Group today.
