Smoking and Sight Loss

24 September 2023

Sunday 24 September is the last day of the 2023 National Eye Health Campaign and is dedicated to a crucial message – smoking carries adverse risks to sight.

As we all already know, smoking is a habit that carries a multitude of health risks, and its detrimental effects on eye health cannot be underestimated.

However, what is less widely known is that, beyond the more widely recognised consequences for lung and heart health, the chemicals found in tobacco have a profound and often irreversible impact on the delicate structures that make up our eyes. In short, there is this article, there is an alarming connection between smoking and vision, shedding light on the risks it poses to eye health.

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): A Stark Warning

There is a strong demonstrable association between smoking and Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD). The macula, situated at the back of the eye, is responsible for central vision and sharp visual acuity. AMD gradually erodes this crucial area, causing irreversible vision loss. Research has shown that smoking significantly increases the risk of developing AMD, making it a powerful reason to consider cutting down or stopping altogether.

Beyond AMD: A Multitude of Threats

As well as AMD, there are many other serious other eye conditions and diseases closely linked to smoking:

Cataracts: Smoking is a known risk factor for cataracts, a condition characterised by the clouding of the eye’s natural lens. Cataracts can lead to blurred vision and, if left untreated, vision loss.

Diabetic Retinopathy: Individuals with diabetes already face a heightened risk of eye problems. Smoking exacerbates this risk by contributing to the development and progression of diabetic retinopathy, a condition that damages the blood vessels in the retina.

Glaucoma: While the link between smoking and glaucoma is still under investigation, some studies suggest that smoking may increase the risk of this sight-threatening condition. Glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated.

Dry Eye Syndrome: Smoking has been associated with increased prevalence and severity of dry eye syndrome, a condition where the eyes do not produce enough tears or tears evaporate too quickly, leading to discomfort and vision disturbances.

Optic Nerve Damage: Smoking’s adverse impact on blood vessels can affect the optic nerve, potentially leading to optic nerve damage, which, in turn, can result in vision impairment.

Impaired Night Vision: Some studies suggest that smoking may affect the sensitivity of retinal cells responsible for night vision, potentially causing difficulties seeing in low-light conditions.

Hypertensive Retinopathy: Smoking can contribute to hypertension (high blood pressure), which, in turn, can lead to hypertensive retinopathy – a condition where the blood vessels in the retina become damaged, potentially causing vision loss.

A Startling Statistic

Perhaps the most compelling reason to quit smoking for the sake of your vision comes from research published by the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB). According to their findings, smokers are twice as likely to lose their sight in later life compared to non-smokers. This statistic serves as a sobering reminder of the gravity of smoking’s impact on eye health.

The evidence is clear – smoking jeopardises eye health of in a number of different ways – from accelerating the development of AMD to increasing the risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and more.

Next month is STOPTOBER month – NHS guidance is available here for people who want to start to see immediate benefits to all aspects of their health, including ensuring that their eyes and vision stay in the best possible shape.

Look out for more hints and tips on our social media platforms [link]

Check out the latest issue of VISTA magazine – National Eye Health Week’s official publication – to read about lots more ways of protecting eye health.