It is well known that smoking increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.  But 9 out of 10 people surveyed have no idea that smoking can lead to eye disease or even blindness.  Ironically, surveys show that the majority of people fear blindness over cancer or other disabilities. 

With these facts in mind, education regarding the ocular effects of smoking is critical. The risk of age-related macular degeneration increases with age, but smokers are at a threefold increased risk.  Moreover, Macular degeneration may show an earlier age of onset among smokers.  Cataracts are 2.9 times more likely to occur in smokers compared to those who have never smoked.  Smoking may cause constriction of the blood vessels in the eye, which can lead to increased eye pressure and optic nerve damage. 

Quitting smoking may also help slow the progression of diabetic retinopathy in patients affected by this condition.  For contact lens wearers, or those with dry eyes, smoke can be a significant irritant to the eye's surface.

For additional information, go to Review of Optometry http://www.revoptom.com/content/d/therapeutics/c/15342/

Rebecca Mueller, O.D.