While many people know that smoking is bad for your health and can cause heart disease, breathing problems and cancer, people may not know that it affects your eyes as well. The chemicals in cigarettes include carcinogens and pro inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals attack the cells of the body and can do a lot of damage. The effects can not only happen to the person who is smoking but the second hand smoke can hurt the eyes as well.
With second hand smoke, children can have a greater chance of getting different forms of conjunctivitis including allergy and inflammatory. They can also have a greater risk of styles due to the increase in inflammation of the eyelids.
For adults who smoke, there are a few more condition that can occur including the ones mentioned above. With the increase in inflammation it can increase the production of cataracts and long term exposure of inflammation inside the eye can increase the risk of macular degeneration. Studies show the risk for macular degeneration in people who smoke is 3 times greater. Smoking also can increase the chance for dry eyes. Not only is the physical gas an irritant to the front surface of the eye, but the inflammation affects the ability to produce tears naturally.
There are different options to help quit smoking including gum, patches, prescriptions, and programs. Your health care providers can refer you to the correct people or programs to help you quit smoking and improve your eyes and overall health. Call for an appointment today (860) 233- 2020.
