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Prioritize Your Eye Health – Choose Your Health Over Smoking
Posted by: South Georgia / North Florida Eye Partners in Eye Health
As the year ends and 2025 winds down, many are preparing for 2026 and setting goals for the new year. For some, quitting smoking is at the top of their list. While lung cancer is the most well-known health risk linked to smoking, it also threatens eye health, among other issues.
Smoking affects the whole body and can impair vision. Over time, smoking may cause more damage to your eyes than some diseases. Long-term smoking greatly endangers your eye health and vision. Here are some statistics to motivate you to consider quitting today:
- 34.1 million adults (over the age of 18) in the United States currently smoke cigarettes.
- Smoking cigarettes remains the leading cause of preventable disease and disability in the United States.
- There is good news about the number of smokers in the U.S., which has decreased from 20.9% in 2005 to 14.0% in 2019.
A recent study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that although progress continues, smoking and tobacco use still threaten the health of millions of Americans.
Smoking causes itchy, watery eyes, which can be bothersome. More importantly, it raises the risk of serious eye diseases that can threaten your vision, as outlined below.
Smoking Is A Risk Factor for Every Age-Related Eye Disease
Research shows that smoking increases the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and Dry Eye Syndrome. Let’s take a closer look at some of these conditions.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
AMD causes the degeneration of the macula, the central part of the retina that enables sharp vision, which can result in permanent blindness. Smokers have a three times higher chance of developing AMD than nonsmokers and usually start showing symptoms about ten years earlier.
Cataracts
Smoking doubles to triples the risk of cataracts, the leading cause of blindness worldwide, especially for heavy smokers. Early signs include blurred or double vision, light sensitivity, dull colors, and trouble seeing at night. Luckily, cataract removal surgery is common and safe, making this form of vision loss usually reversible.
Retinopathy
Retinopathy is an eye condition associated with diabetes, but smoking increases the risk of developing diabetes by up to 40%, which in turn raises the chance of retinopathy. Poor blood sugar control can damage retinal blood vessels, causing bleeding into the eye. Severe damage can cut off oxygen to the retina, potentially leading to blindness.
Smokers Aren’t Always the Only Ones Affected
Secondhand smoke includes both cigarette end smoke and the smoke exhaled by the smoker. Besides damaging the smoker’s vision, it also risks the eyesight of others and causes various health problems. Young children and infants are especially at risk.
Vaping: Is Not a Safe Alternative
Vaping is often promoted as a healthier alternative to smoking. However, many chemicals found in e-cigarette liquids are linked to increased risks of serious eye diseases. A study in the American Journal of Ophthalmology revealed a connection between vaping and visual impairment. It showed that former vapers had a 14% higher risk of vision problems compared to never-users, while current vapers faced a 34% higher risk than those who never vaped.
Break the Habit to Save Your Vision
Smoking is the leading preventable cause of vision loss because we can control it. It’s never too late to quit smoking. Quitting can reduce the risk of macular degeneration by 6% after just one year and also lower the risk of developing cataracts. As your eye care providers, we genuinely care about your overall health. If you’re looking for resources to help you quit, the American Cancer Society offers useful tips. Remember, you have the power to protect your vision. We’re here to give you the information and support you need to maintain your eye health.
Your eye health is our top priority!
