Smoking is the number one cause of preventable disease and premature death in the United States. It damages almost every organ in your body, including your eyes.

 All the harmful and often fatal health effects of smoking, such as heart disease and cancer, are well known, but the dizzying vision and eye problems are often less well known. immortality.

 There are other reasons to stop habits:

 Smoking and cataracts

 Cataracts (natural clouding of the eye's crystal lens) are the leading causes of blindness worldwide. More than 50% of Americans will have cataracts or have had cataract surgery by age 80.

 Smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing cataracts than nonsmokers. Studies show that smokers double their risk of developing cataracts, and the more they smoke, the higher the risk.

 Smoking and macular degeneration

 Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the center of the retina. The center of the retina is responsible for the sharp central vision needed for daily tasks such as reading and driving.

 Macular degeneration causes a 'blind spot' and often significantly impairs central vision. AMD is the leading cause of permanent vision loss in Americans over the age of 65.

 According to research, smokers are three times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers. Also, smokers over the age of 80 are 5.5 times more likely to develop AMD than non-smokers of the same age.

 But it's not all bad news. Smoking is the largest controllable risk factor associated with AMD, so quitting smoking at any age can significantly reduce the risk of developing AMD.

 Smoking and uveitis

 Uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye or uvea) is a serious eye disease that can lead to complete vision loss.

 It can cause complications such as cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment by damaging important eye structures such as the iris and retina.

 There is evidence that smokers are more likely to develop uveitis than nonsmokers, and smoking appears to be associated with the development of uveitis. One study found that smoking is 2.2 times more likely to develop symptoms.

 Smoking and diabetic retinopathy

 Diabetic retinopathy can damage blood vessels in the retina, causing vision loss.

 More than 5 million Americans over the age of 40 suffer from diabetic retinopathy due to type 1 or type 2 diabetes. And that number will reach nearly 16 million by 2050, according to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

 Smoking can even double the risk of developing diabetes.

 Among the many other complications of diabetes, there is a causal link between smoking and the onset and progression of diabetic retinopathy.

Smoking and dry eye

 Smokers are four times more likely to lose their eyesight in old age.

 Dry Eye Syndrome indicates insufficient tears on the surface of the eye to keep the eye smooth and healthy. Dry eyes can cause redness, itching, 'foreign body sensation' and even watery eyes.

 Tobacco smoke is a well-known eye irritant and exacerbates dry eye, especially for secondhand smokers who wear contact lenses. Smokers are almost twice as likely to have dry eyes.

 Baby Smoking and Eye Diseases

 Women who smoke during pregnancy can transmit dangerous toxins to the placenta and harm the fetus. Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk of many eye diseases in the fetus and baby, among other serious health problems.

 These include strabismus (strabismus) and optic nerve underdevelopment. This is the main cause of blindness in children.

 Also, women who smoke during pregnancy are more likely to give birth prematurely. All premature babies are at higher risk of eye problems than term babies.

 Vision problems in premature infants include retinopathy of prematurity, and potentially blindness.

 Are you ready to stop?

It's never too late to quit smoking and start enjoying the benefits of a healthier lifestyle and ultimately a healthier body. Quitting smoking at any age can reduce the risk of many eye diseases that threaten your eyesight.