DO YOU KNOW THAT AS A SMOKER YOU ARE TWICE AS LIKELY TO LOSE YOUR VISION COMPARED TO A NON-SMOKER?
That is quite a scary statement to start off with but by now, I’m sure, we’re all aware of the detrimental impact smoking has on one’s health. Most people tend to be aware of the increased risk of lung disease, heart disease and cancer but in fact smoking increases the risk of illness associated with most parts of the body.
Many people are unaware of the significant impact smoking also has on one’s eye health. Smoking and exposure to smoke have been linked to significantly increases in the chances of developing eye diseases such as:
- Cataracts – the clouding of the lens in the eye.
Smokers tend to develop cataracts at an EARLIER age than non-smokers. - Macular-Degeneration – an eye condition affecting the central part of the retina.
Smokers are up to FOUR times more likely to develop the condition than non-smokers. - Uveitis – a condition where the middle layer of the eyeball becomes inflamed).
Smokers are TWICE as likely to develop the condition than non-smokers. - Dry eye – sore, itchy and watery eyes.
Smoking often causes this condition or makes it WORSE. - Diabetic retinopathy – blood vessels in the retina at the back of the eye becoming damaged.
Diabetic Smokers increase their risk of developing retinopathy which can lead to PERMANENT loss of vision.
It is never too late to benefit from quitting smoking!
There is a misconception that ‘the damage is already done’, with a survey carried out by the AOP (Association of Optometrists) finding that 51% of the UK public surveyed believe that long-term smokers would not see any improvements in their eye health if they quit. However, this is absolutely not the case and, in fact, your body starts to recover in as little as 8 hours when you quit smoking.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?
S-T-U-B out your cigarette:
S = STOP
If you’re a smoker, QUIT. Stopping smoking is one of the best steps you can take to protect your vision. Did you know that in the UK over 60% of those who currently smoke say they want to stop?
T = TALK
There’s lots of free help available to aid you. You’re much more likely to stay a non-smoker with the right support. Find all the quitting advice and tips you need on the NHS Smoke-free Website.
U = UNDERSTAND
Understand that quitting is the single most beneficial thing you can do to protect YOUR eye health.
B = BOOK
Book an appointment to visit your optometrist if you’re worried about your eye health.
Whether you smoke or not, remember that your optometrist can provide a full eye health check as part of your routine appointment. Visiting regularly can help identify and treat eye conditions and detect diseases early.
We recommend that you have a sight test at least every two years, or more often if your optometrist recommends it.
And remember… Quitting is seeing.
For a routine eye check up, or if you have any eye problems or concerns about the health of your eyes, you book an appointment online here, call us on 020 7353 4455, or email us at info@whitbyonline.com.