World No Tobacco Day 2022 World No Tobacco Day 2022: Many of us know that smoking can lead to serious diseases like respiratory disease, heart disease and cancer. Apart from this, it is also important to know here that smoking can also be very harmful for the eyes. Smoking is becoming one of the biggest causes of increasing mortality worldwide. Tobacco causes more than 8 million deaths worldwide each year, and it is estimated that about 600,000 of these people do not smoke, but do die from secondhand smoke.
Dr. Ashutosh Patil, Chief Consultant and Director, Emerald Eye Hospital and Retina Center Pune told jansatta.com that cigarette smoke releases toxins in the body. These toxins affect various organs of the body including the eyes by going into the body through the bloodstream.
According to Dr Patil, smoking increases the risk of serious eye diseases like cataract, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and diabetic retinopathy. If proper precautions are not taken in time, it can also lead to loss of vision. Additionally, cigarette smoke can cause puffiness under the eyes and problems with the eyelids such as swelling and irritation.
eye problems caused by smoking
It is important for people who smoke to know that cigarette smoke can damage important parts of the eye such as the lens, retina and macula. All these parts of the eye help in maintaining good eyesight. Let us know from Dr. Ashutosh about some of the major eye diseases caused by smoking-
cataracts
Dr. Patil told that the chances of losing sight due to cataract increases significantly. This disease occurs when the naturally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or cloudy. Because of this, sensitivity to light increases and blurred vision occurs. Smoking can increase the number of free radicals within the eye. Free radicals can damage the proteins and lipids in the eye and cause them to accumulate on the lens of the eye. This leads to the development of cataract.
age related macular degeneration
According to Dr. Patil, this disease weakens the central vision. Having this disease makes it impossible or difficult to recognize colors and faces, read and even walk. When it is left untreated it can lead to blindness and complete loss of vision. Several studies have shown that smokers have significantly lower levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, both of which protect the macula from UV radiation. UV radiation is a major risk factor for age-related macular degeneration.
diabetic retinopathy
According to Dr Ashutosh Patil, smoking can increase the chances of getting diabetes by up to 40%. Because of this, the chances of getting diabetic retinopathy also increase. In diabetic retinopathy, blood vessels become damaged. Due to this fluid and blood starts leaking from the blood vessels into the eyes. Due to which lightening or complete loss of vision.
Dry eyes: Due to this disease, not enough tears come out of the eyes. Cigarette smoke can cause irritation and dryness in the eyes. In addition, some people, especially smoking, have a higher risk of developing eye diseases than others, such as:
Pregnant women: Smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk of retinopathy in unborn babies. This disease occurs when the blood vessels in the child’s retina are not fully developed, which can lead to retinal detachment and, in some cases, blindness.
In people with diabetes: People with diabetes who smoke have an increased risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Children: A research has shown that eye disease caused by smoking can occur in children at a very young age. Cigarette smoke can dilate the choroid, which can put the health of children’s eyes at risk.
how to protect eyes
Quitting smoking is the most important way to keep eyes healthy. However, apart from quitting smoking, there are other important things that can be done to keep the eyes safe.
Wear glasses or sunglasses when going out to protect the eyes from the harmful UV rays of the sun Blink frequently to prevent dryness or itching of the eyes Always keep the eyes clean Always keep blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol under control. Eyes Take breaks, especially when activities that strain the eyes, such as using a screen, reading, etc. Take breaks in between. Have regular check-ups with your ophthalmologist.
Dr Patil says that it is never too late or no time to quit smoking so it is always important to remember that quitting smoking can not only help in maintaining better overall health but it can also help in improving eye health. also good for