Vaping and your eyes
We all know smoking tobacco can cause lung disease, heart disease, cancer and many other health issues. But did you know that smoking can cause harm to your eyes too?
Smoking e-cigarettes has increased in recent years due to the general perceptions about their less harmful health outcomes compared to conventional tobacco cigarettes.
Recent studies have shown that the nicotine and other chemical in e-cigarettes can affect different parts of the eye. Reports suggest that vaping may cause inflammation and oxidative stress in the eyes, similar to smoking.
Smokers have a 30-40% increased risk in developing cataracts
Smoking can cause inflammation and oxidative stress in your eyes, damaging the lens and leading to the development of cataracts. They also decrease the blood flow to the eye, further contributing to cataracts.
Smokers are 2 times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration and 3 times more likely to develop the advanced form of AMD.
It is thought that the toxic chemicals in cigarette smoke and vape aerosols damage the blood vessels in the retina. This leads to inflammation and degeneration of the macula.
Smokers have a two-fold increased risk of developing uveitis compared to non-smokers
Smoking can cause inflammation in the eyes, which can cause Uveitis. Uveitis is the inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, the uvea, that can cause pain, redness and vision loss.
Smoking and vaping often lead to chronic dry eye due to compromised tear quality.
Smoking can affect the production and quality of your tears, making them less effective at lubricating your eyes. When nicotine reaches your eyes, it constricts the blood vessels in your conjunctiva and cornea, reducing blood flow and tear production. Smoking can also cause redness, itching, discomfort and dry eyes.
Smokers are also more likely to develop diabetes and diabetic retinopathy and are at an increased risk of developing optic nerve damage, or optic neuropathy.
You will find NHS services to stop smoking here