Each year in November, we celebrate the Great American Smokeout – an opportunity for people to take charge of their health by quitting smoking. As November comes to an end, health is at the forefront of Americans’ minds. This presents a great opportunity to highlight a lesser known, but incredibly important side effect of smoking – damage to your eyes. According to the CDC, smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body1. Here’s a look into the potential impacts of smoking on your vision health.
Two Major Eye Ailments Connected to Smoking
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
Smokers are 2 times more likely to develop AMD according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services1. However, they may not even know it. AMD often has no symptoms in its early stages and could be developing without being noticed. When symptoms do occur, they could include blurred vision or a need for more light than normal to complete tasks. An eye exam is the best way to spot AMD, but quitting smoking is one of the best ways to prevent it. To learn more about AMD, download this AMD guide created by the National Eye Institute.
Cataracts
According to the National Eye Institute, smokers are 2-3 times more likely to develop cataracts2. That’s right, smoking can triple your chances of getting cataracts. Cataracts often cause blurry vision, but can lead to more serious vision loss in some cases. There are many treatments for cataracts, including surgery, but if you’re a smoker, just quitting can have a huge impact on avoiding them altogether.
Eyecare is Healthcare – It’s All Connected
The human body is a marvel and healthcare should always be looked at comprehensively. This year, as we celebrate the Great American Smokeout and all of the wonderful impacts that quitting smoking can have on the lungs and heart – don’t forget your eyes!
