The effects of tobacco on the eyes

Cigarette smoke contains many harmful chemicals that negatively affect all organs and parts of the human body, including the eyes, considered the windows to the soul, which not only enhance beauty but also boost confidence when interacting with the surrounding environment.

Eye examinations for residents at the Binh Gia Regional Health Center.

The chemicals in cigarette smoke affect the eyes through the bloodstream and through direct contact of the cornea with the smoke. The consequences are far from simple. According to studies and statistics from medical experts, smokers have twice the risk of retinal detachment and cataracts compared to non-smokers. They also have a three times higher risk of macular degeneration and uveitis, and a four times higher risk of diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, the dry, hot nature of cigarette smoke, along with its irritants, can lead to dry eyes, conjunctivitis, and chronic blepharitis. Of particular concern is that complications from these conditions can all lead to blindness.

For women who smoke during pregnancy, it can easily lead to eye disorders in newborns, such as strabismus, underdeveloped optic nerves, and a high risk of blindness.

The harmful effects of tobacco on the human body, leading to cardiovascular problems and cancer, have long been known. However, the harmful effects of tobacco on eye health are less well-known, especially cataracts and macular degeneration, two of the leading causes of blindness today.

Regarding cataracts, which cause blindness in over 70% of people in Vietnam, smoking reduces oxygen levels in the lens, eventually leading to cataracts. Furthermore, the heavy metals in cigarette smoke are highly toxic and gradually accumulate in the eye's components, resulting in a risk of cataracts that is twice as high for smokers compared to regular smokers and three times higher for heavy smokers. The more cigarettes smoked, the higher the risk of developing cataracts.

Regarding macular degeneration, several studies have shown that smokers have a 2 to 4 times higher risk of developing the disease compared to non-smokers. The toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke reduce blood flow to the retinal tissue, damaging the blood-retinal barrier and causing macular degeneration. This is the leading cause of blindness in people over 60, second only to cataracts.

To protect your eyes from the risk of blindness caused by cigarette smoke, quit smoking today. Quitting smoking will not only protect your eyes but also the eyes of your family members.

Minh Manh – Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Source: https://soyt.langson.gov.vn/thong-inform-chuyen-nganh/y-te-du-phong/anh-huong-cua-thuoc-la-den-mat.html