It is generally known that smoking adversely affects the health and condition of the entire human body. In the report of the American Health Service, published in 1964, smoking was officially declared a risk factor and the cause of a number of diseases that significantly reduce the quality of life and lead to premature death. Since then, numerous clinical, laboratory and epidemiological studies have been conducted that have confirmed the link between smoking and contracting and dying prematurely from a number of diseases.
Due to the action of around 4,000 harmful chemicals that are found in tobacco smoke and enter directly into the bloodstream of smokers, the negative impact of smoking on our vision is also evident. Long-term smoking has been proven to increase the risk of developing many serious eye disorders and diseases.
Age-related macular degeneration
Research has shown that active smokers have a four times higher risk of developing senile macular degeneration. This disease leads to severe and irreversible loss of central vision and is considered the most common cause of smoking-related blindness.
Redness and dryness of the eyes
Smoking can cause thinning of the membrane that covers the eyes (conjunctiva) and thus cause various eye irritations and allergies. Also, tobacco smoke can change the tear film, causing dry eye syndrome, but also contribute to the development of chronic eye redness.
Cataract
Smokers have a higher risk of developing cataracts, a clouding of the eye lens that manifests itself as vision loss. The most common form of cataract that is associated with smoking is the so-called. nuclear cataract.
Glaucoma
Smoking is directly related to an increase in eye pressure and the development of glaucoma. This wicked disease damages the optic nerve and most often imperceptibly destroys vision, which is where its seriousness lies.
Vascular diseases
Smoking can cause arteriosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which can contribute to or worsen the health of the vascular system and in the eyes. Diseases of the arteries and veins can cause damage to the optic nerves, resulting in significant vision loss or blindness.
Optic neuropathy
Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow in the body, which can damage the optic nerve. Toxic optic neuropathy, caused by excessive consumption of methyl alcohol, leads to sudden deterioration of vision and even blindness, if professional medical help is not provided within 24-48 hours.
Find answers to the most common questions about laser vision correction, cataracts and lens implantation. Everything you need to know before deciding on a procedure.
No, the procedure is completely painless. It takes only a few minutes, and as early as the next day you can function normally without glasses or lenses.
If you notice that your vision is blurry, colors are fading and you struggle to drive at night, these are clear warning signs. Surgery restores clear vision and once cataracts are diagnosed, it should not be postponed.
The biggest advantage is that you forget about glasses – both for near and far. This means you can read a book, use your phone and drive without additional visual aids.
You absolutely do! Toric lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism and provide clear vision.
These are artificial lenses that are placed inside the eye, while your natural lens remains untouched. They are an excellent option for younger people with high diopters who are not candidates for laser vision correction.
