Smoking can lead to to Vision Loss or Blindness

· “Studies show that smoking increases the risk of age-related macular degeneration, cataract, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and Dry Eye Syndrome.

· Smoking increases the chances of developing age-related macular degeneration at a later age by three fold as compared to non-smokers”

New Delhi, June 1, 2018:

Heart diseases, asthma, other respiratory diseases and cancer have been found to have increased risk in people who consume tobacco, smoking to be specific. However, smoking can do a lot more, that only the researchers have found out recently. Therefore, we need awareness and recognition of smoking as a risk factor across the world. The medical fraternity have found proof of vision loss and ophthalmic problems to be higher in individuals who smoke. Multiple studies carried out by reputed universities and prominent researchers have supported the claim that tobacco indeed, can increase the risks of various vision related diseases in individuals exposed to smoking – passive or direct.

 Nearly 20% of the world’s population is estimated to be affected by diseases caused or induced by tobacco and smoking. It’s effect on human vision can lead up to the formation of cataract post 50 years and even advanced conditions which may lead to vision loss, such as age related macular degeneration (AMD).

 Dr. Ikeda Lal, Opthalmologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and Delhi Eye Centre New Delhi is a specialist in this field. She explains, “Smoking is an epidemic that is slowly engulfing the world. While most of us are now aware of the ill effects it has on various organs of the human physiology, little is discussed about the vision problems brought on by the habit of smoking over years. Macular degeneration for instance, is a condition that causes the retina to lose its sharpness as it effects the central part of the retina which is responsible for clarity of vision. This makes it difficult for patients to drive and read properly and eventually lose their quality of life. AMD is the single most prominent cause of permanent vision loss in people over 65 years of age, globally. Long years of smoking increases the chances of developing AMD at a later age by three fold than compared to non smokers. “

Dr. Rohit Saxena, Opthalmologist at AIIMS says” While there is minimal direct evidence of the effect of smoking on the eye, it can lead to blindness due to macular damage, cataract, worsening diabetic retinopathy, increase chance of glaucoma and dey eye. All have been seen to be worse in smokers w vs non smokers.”

Dr. Ikeda Lal Said “Smoking has been found to be the cause for escalation in other vision related diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, uveitis and cataract. It is crucial to understand that these diseases can happen due to various other risk factors as well. Smoking is a preventable cause which has found to be a reason for speeding up the process, at least by 10 years when compared to non smokers. However for AMD, elimination of smoking is considered an important measure for early prevention. If you are 35 now and choose to quit smoking, it immediately adds value to your life by preventing the chances of a cataract or developing AMD post 60-65 years of age.”

The central vision system is responsible for critical functions such as reading, driving and face recognition. Development of age related macular degeneration causes impairment to the ability of executing these tasks effecticely. Permanent blindness due to AMD is currently one of the largest concerns of many developed nations.

Dr. Lal adds, “Opthalmologists are shedding light on the reasons causing permanent blindness and vision loss through extensive research and study programs. Smoking is a preventable risk factor, for any disease including AMD. Opthalmologists as physicians, along with other specialists are working towards smoking cessation, which marks an important step towards creating awareness about the impacts of smoking on vision.”

A small step towards prevention of permanent blindness can be taken with eliminating smoking, eating healthy food with green leafy vegetables, exercising and counselling for adapting a smoke free healthy lifestyle.