We are all well aware of the dangers of smoking in the lungs, but what about the eyes? Cigarettes and vaporizers could affect your vision, warns the expert
Smoking is a leading cause of death and disease in the UK, according to the NHS.
Each year around 78,000 people in the UK die from smoking and many more live with debilitating smoking-related diseases.
Smoking increases the risk of developing more than 50 serious health problems, including cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Smoking also increases the risk of tuberculosis and immune system problems, including rheumatoid arthritis.
This bad habit is also said to cause significant eye damage, which can lead to complete loss of vision.
“Tobacco smoke is known and has been shown to have many negative effects on the body, including vision,” says contact lens optician Sujata Paul of lens shop.
“Smoking can increase the risk of serious eye disease which, in some cases, can lead to permanent vision loss, including AMD (age-related macular degeneration), cataracts and glaucoma.
“From a short-term perspective, tobacco smoke can also cause dry eye syndrome, which causes eye irritation and pain.”
Cigarettes are known to contain harmful metals that not only damage the front of the eye but can also severely damage the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the eye.
This is because nicotine and carbon monoxide interfere with blood vessels, accelerating a disease called atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis causes plaque to build up in blood vessels, preventing them from supplying enough blood to the body’s organs.
If it happens in the eye, it can cause changes in vision.
Dangers of vaping
Asked how vaping can affect the eyes, Sujata warned, “Vaping causes oxidative stress in the eye. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance in oxygen levels.
“As with any other part of the body, added stress can have negative health effects.
“Over time, vaping will increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and even glaucoma.
“Glaucoma reduces vision and can even lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.”
And vaping isn’t much better for eye health.
A University of California study found that using e-cigarettes can harm your eyes.
It found that vapers were 34% more likely to suffer eye damage than non-vapers.
The reason for this is that e-cigarettes and vaporizers, used by around 2.7 million people in the UK, contain harmful chemicals.
How to quit smoking or vaping
According to Sujata, the best tips for quitting smoking and reducing the risk of eye damage are:
- set the date
- Throw out all cigarettes and tobacco products.
- Ask your doctor for help.
“If you start noticing changes in your vision, such as blurry spots in your central vision, you need more light to read, and straight lines start to appear wavy, an eye exam is often the best method. Most effective at detecting any eye. early disease.. “, He explained. .
“In addition, doctors can also give you injections in the eye to prevent further damage.
“Some patients may even need it regularly to save their sight.”
Source: Dailystar
Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
