May 30, 2023

31 May is known worldwide as World No Tobacco Day. It was created in 1987 by the World Health Organization to draw global attention to the health issue connected to the tobacco epidemic.

As part of this annual observance, the public is made aware of the dangers of tobacco use. In addition to smoking's connection to lung cancer, lung disease, stroke, and heart attack, few people are aware of its effect on eye health. Various parts of the eye are affected by smoking, including the macula, the lens, the optic nerve, and the retinal blood vessels.

It is time to raise awareness about your eyes and the hazards of smoking cigarettes can pose to a smoker’s eye health. 

It's been proven that smoking will increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, and dry eye syndrome. Several studies have shown that smoking can reduce macular pigment density and impair antioxidant activity. Therefore, smokers are three to four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration than non-smokers. Additionally, smoking increases the prevalence of cataracts by two to three times.

If you are a smoker it's time to quit and give your eyes a break. Start by quitting smoking and see your eye professional for yearly checkups. Our vision is too valuable to lose to smoking.

To learn more contact one of our offices and make an appointment to get checked.