Smoking Can Cause Eye Problems

The next time you light up a cigarette, you might want to stop and think about how it affects your eyes.  People who smoke are at an increased risk of developing cataracts.  A cataract is the clouding of your natural lens and it can cause blurry vision, glare, loss of contrast, and ability to see colors.  

In addition to causing cataracts, smoking tobacco also raises your risk factor for developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  Macular degeneration can take your sight if not treated properly.  According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, studies show that current smokers and ex-smokers are more likely to develop AMD than people who have never smoked.

Other damages to the eye from smoking include diabetic retinopathy or damage to the blood vessels in the retina as well as optic nerve damage.  For those with dry eyes, smoking can irritate the eyes and worsen the symptoms of dry eye causing scratchy eyes, stinging, burning and excess tearing.

Physicians at Black Hills Regional Eye Institute encourage you to quit smoking to avoid eye problems that can result from this habit.