Smokey and Eye Health

Smokey eyes… The term is most commonly used to describe sultry, attractive eyes—something that’s most usually achieved when describing ways to use makeup. However, in reality, smokey eyes are actually the result of being in a smoke-filled atmosphere—or perhaps aimed at those who smoke tobacco.In this case, smokey eyes (AKA, the eyes of those who smoke) have some significant effects on the health of your eyes.Now, many smokers might be thinking that they’re already been lectured enough about the health implications of their habit. However, it’s never too late to consider cutting down or quitting. Swapping to vapes is often an effective method of ditching cigarettes—something that millions of people across the planet have successfully managed.The following looks at the effect of smoking on the health of your eyes. Along with the monetary cost of cigarettes (or other tobacco) , understanding more about how it affects your eyes might be just the push you need to give up once and for all…

Smokey and Eye Health: the truth every smoker needs to know

• The 6 horrible truths about what smoking does to your eyes

The 6 horrible truths about what smoking does to your eyes

• #1: Cataracts: More and more evidence is stacking up about the link between smoking and premature cataracts. While, if we’re lucky enough to hit a ripe old age, we’re all likely to eventually have the disease, smoking can hasten its evolution. With eyesight being the most important of all the senses, it makes sense to do what we can to protect it—and that includes giving up the evil weed, if possible.
• #2: AMD: Age-related macular degeneration is a sight-threatening condition that smokers are four times more likely to develop than non-smokers. Even if you’re genetically predisposed to the disease, smoking has been proven to hasten the onset by a massive 10 years. If you simply can’t give up, switching to e-cigarettes (vaping) is believed to help lower the risk of developing AMD. However, it’s important to understand that the long-term effects of vaping have yet to be studied in longevity, as it’s still a relatively new phenomenon.
• #3: Uveitis: This is the medical name for inflammation of the eye’s middle layer of tissue. There is substantial evidence showing that tobacco use plays a key role in its development, increasing the likelihood of diagnosis by more than 2.2 times that of non-smokers. It’s a serious eye disease that can lead to permanent vision loss.
• #4: Retinal detachment: While smoking hasn’t (yet) been proven to cause retinal detachment, because it predisposes a person to uveitis (a condition that commonly causes the retina to detach), there is a link. In addition, smoking has been shown to increase the failure levels of reattaching the retina, should you suffer from the condition.
• #5: Dry eye syndrome: With over 7,000 chemicals in cigarette tobacco, it’s been proven that smokers are more than twice as likely than non-smokers to suffer from dry eye.
• #6: Glaucoma: This is where the fluid within the eye increases, raising the pressure of the eye chamber. This compresses the optic nerve and, without treatment, can cause blindness. The more you smoke, the higher your risk of glaucoma.

As you can see, smoking presents a considerable risk to your vision. Giving up is, by far, the best thing you can do for your health. There’s plenty of help available, including nicotine patches, self-help courses, transitioning to e-cigarettes, and even hypnosis. Speak to your healthcare provider for more details.

Smokey Eye Health Treatment at the West Boca Eye Center

While our clinicians would love it if you didn’t smoke, we don’t judge your life choices. However, what we can do is provide you with the best possible treatment for any smoking-related eye conditions. Whatever the issue, you’re guaranteed  world-class treatment at the globally renowned West Boca Eye Center. From regular eye exams to cutting edge-treatment for AMD, cataracts, glaucoma, and more, the WBEC team puts patient eyesight first.Discover more at our services page and call us today to chat with our friendly team!