Stoptober: smokers are twice as likely to lose their vision

In a bid to encourage people to quit smoking this month, eye health experts are warning that the habit doubles the risk of vision loss.

According to Dr Stephen Hannan, Clinical Services Director at Optical Express, smoking increases the likelihood of developing serious conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts, which can both cause irreversible sight loss.

Dr Hannan’s warning marks the beginning of Stoptober, a campaign created by the NHS to encourage people to give up cigarettes for a month. He said the event is the perfect opportunity to outlines the lesser-known impact of smoking on eye health.

‘While many people are aware of the dangers smoking poses to the heart and lungs, few are aware of the damage it can cause to their eyes,’ Dr Hannan explained. ‘Smoking introduces toxic chemicals into the body that can directly affect the ocular surface and the delicate tissues in the eye. As a result, smokers are twice as likely to develop AMD, a leading cause of irreversible vision loss.’

‘AMD affects your central vision, making it more difficult to recognise faces, read, or drive. In more severe cases, AMD can progress causing rapid vision loss.’

While some treatments are available, they are far from straightforward. Often, they require ongoing care and smokers may need more frequent interventions to maintain their sight.

Dr Hannan added: ‘Smoking can cause the eye’s protective tear film to break down, leading to dry eyes, irritation, and discomfort. For long-term smokers, the risks extend even further. Cataracts, glaucoma, and permanent blindness can develop.’

In similar vein, The Royal National Institute of Blind People have warned that people living with smokers are also at risk of damaging their eyesight. Experts said exposure to secondhand smoke can put people at risk of developing conditions such as macular degeneration, a condition which can cause blurred or no vision at all. 

To find out how to take part in Stoptober this year, details can be found here. 

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski via UnSplash 

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