Tobacco use can increase the risk of developing serious eye conditions that can lead to vision loss or blindness, including:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Smokers are three to four times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers. AMD is a gradual destruction of the eye’s macula, which can lead to loss of vision in the center of the eye.
Cataracts
Heavy smokers (15 cigarettes/day or more) have up to three times the risk of cataract as non-smokers. Cataracts cause blurry vision that worsens over time.
Glaucoma
Smoking is linked to high blood pressure, cataracts, and diabetes, which are all risk factors for glaucoma.
Uveitis
An ocular disease that can lead to blindness. Smokers have a 2.2 times higher risk of developing uveitis than non-smokers.
Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
Smokers with TED risk worsening their eye condition with smoking and can also lose vision.
Second-hand smoke can also increase the risk of developing AMD.
Quitting smoking and having regular eye tests can help improve eye health and prevent avoidable sight loss.