How Smoking Affects Your Eye Health
You probably already know that smoking can damage your lungs and heart, but did you know it can also harm your eyes?
Smoking increases your risk of several serious eye diseases, some of which can lead to vision loss or even blindness.
We spoke with Dr. Kristen Robinson, an optometrist and co-founder of Saugeen Shores Family Eye Care, about what she’s seen in her practice and the warning signs everyone should watch for.
Dr. Kristen Robinson
OD, BSc, FOVDR
Doctor of Optometry
“The most common place I see the effects of smoking show up in my patients’ eyes would be in cases of macular degeneration and advanced diabetic retinopathy. Their risk goes up tremendously when they smoke, and these can both be such devastating conditions that can essentially cause central blindness,” says Dr. Robinson.
“Losing your central vision is one of the most awful experiences in terms of vision loss. You can lose your ability to drive, read books, watch and enjoy TV, and even recognize faces. In many cases these individuals feel like they lose their independence.”
Below are some of the most common conditions linked to smoking, what they can lead to, and how to catch the warning signs early.
Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) damages the macula, the central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It’s one of the leading causes of vision loss in Canada, and smoking significantly increases your risk.
“Even though there are some treatments that can sometimes help improve or stabilize these eye diseases, they aren’t always truly treatable and require ongoing management,” Dr. Robinson explains.
“This is devastating for people to learn because there is often the misconception when someone has vision loss that they will be able to receive treatment that will return their vision. However, in many cases, even if treatment or management is possible, sight can’t be restored after certain damage is already done to the retina.”
Diabetic Retinopathy
People who smoke are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which can lead to diabetic retinopathy — a condition that damages the blood vessels in the back of the eye. If left untreated, it can cause permanent vision loss.
“Even if management/treatment is an option, it’s often ongoing, lifelong treatments that include injections of medications into the eye,” says Dr. Robinson.
Dry Eye
Dry eye — or ocular surface disease — may sound minor, but it can be a constant and painful issue that affects quality of life. Smoking makes it worse by irritating the eyes and reducing tear quality.
“The less sight-threatening, but still very challenging, conditions where I find smoking affects the eye are dry eye (ocular surface disease) and earlier onset cataracts,” says Dr. Robinson.
“Cataracts can be treated, but dry eye is often a lifelong challenge to manage for some people. It can involve eye drops 6+ times a day, compresses, supplements, and even light therapy, implants, bandages, and other more advanced therapeutics.
Because it’s so common, people often don’t give it a lot of thought or worry, but advanced dry eye can be a painful, life-altering, constant stress and frustration for people that can also cause fluctuating, blurred vision.”
Early Onset Cataracts
Cataracts are a natural part of aging for many people, but smoking can speed up their development. Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, leading to blurred vision and light sensitivity. While surgery is available, earlier onset means more years spent managing vision changes before treatment is possible.
Eye Health and Pregnancy
Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of several infant eye disorders, including strabismus (crossed eyes), underdeveloped optic nerves, and other long-term vision problems.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Many people assume that changes in vision just mean they need a new glasses prescription. But as Dr. Robinson points out, even minor changes can be signs of something more serious.
“Any changes in someone’s vision should always be assessed by an optometrist, even when minor. Even if it’s simply slightly blurred vision, eye strain or mild discomfort, and someone thinks it could just be a change in their glasses prescription, people should not delay in seeking care because many times, it’s not just a prescription change, but instead an ocular disease causing the change in vision.”
“The most concerning symptom to watch out for would be black spots, floaters, or distorted or missing areas in one’s vision. This should be seen urgently when there are sudden onset changes in vision, floaters or flashing lights. The sooner a disease is diagnosed, the sooner we can initiate management/treatment and preserve what vision remains. This would be my most important advice: not to delay seeking care!”
If you’re due for an eye exam, find an optometrist near you.
Protecting Your Vision Starts Now
Quitting smoking can reduce your risk of developing serious eye diseases. It’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your eyesight.
Here are some steps you can take right now:
Use our Smoke-Free Motivation Meter to explore the health and cost benefits of quitting
Find an optometrist and book an eye exam
For more information about smoking and your eyes, visit the Canadian Association of Optometrists.