Effect of Smoking and 2nd Hand Smoke on Your Eyes
- Smoking causes inflammation of conjuctiva (the thin membrane covering the eye). Thus results in bloodshot eyes and also irritated eyes.
- There is a direct link between cataract and smoking. Smokers are at risk of developing cataract.
- Smoking is also linked to the eye disease referred to as macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is caused by cardiovascular disease and is a major cause of blindness in the West. Smoking causes cardiovascular disease.
- One needs to quit smoking to avoid the progress of diabetic retinopathy.
- Blood vessels shrink or get constricted due to smoking causing glaucoma as well as optic nerve damage.
- Chemicals get into the blood stream and burst through the macula (central part of the retina) or the cells in the macula die slowly. It eventually leads to loss of vision. (Rebuild Your Vision )
Knowing the list above, everyone of us who are currently suffering from eye problems should take extra care especially if we live and work with smokers everyday. When I was working in TV Production years ago, and most of my colleagues do smoke (usually after having our meal together), I politely leave and simply continue on with my day's work. I just can't afford to be sick...
