Smoking is a tough habit to break. According to Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) in India, currently tobacco use in any form is very common, with 267 million tobacco users in India 1.
Despite people knowing its several harmful side effects on heart, respiratory system, etc., many people are not aware that it can also affect the eyes and cause vision loss. Experts have studied direct links between smoking and causes of vision loss.
Dr Ganesh Pillay, Medical director and consultant, ASG Eye hospital, said, “Smoking is as bad for your eyesight as it is for the rest of your body. Several research studies suggest smoking can lead to deterioration of the macula (responsible for central vision; part of retina). Research also shows that smokers are at 5 - 6 times higher risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) than non-smokers. It can even lead to oxidative stress as a result of reduced blood flow and retina damage. In many cases it can also lead to blindness if not treated or adhered to treatment on time.”
WAYS IN WHICH SMOKING CAN AFFECT EYES
Age Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Smoking increases an individual’s risk of developing age
related macular degeneration, which is referred to as the worsening of the macula (central part of the
retina), that allows one to see fine details of an object. This directly affects the vision and leads to
symptoms like blurriness, distortions, or blind spots in central vision. Tobacco interferes with the blood
flow in the retina and thereby promotes macular degeneration. Macula cells are also affected by
oxidation caused by smoking.