Smoking affects several aspects of your health—and your vision is no exception. Staying tobacco-free is, therefore, an important endeavor not only for your overall wellness but also for your eye care. If you’re a smoker, making a plan to quit can help safeguard your vision. In the meantime, here’s what you need to know about how smoking can affect your eyes.

Which Eye Issues Arise From Smoking?

Smoking has been linked to a host of eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness for adults over 50. It can also lead to glaucoma, another common cause of vision loss. Furthermore, smokers are more likely to experience cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and dry eye syndrome.

This is due to the way the chemicals in cigarettes lead to biological changes in the eye, including blood vessel damage, oxidative stress, and compromised tear production. Not only do such changes increase risks of serious eye diseases, but they can also compromise color vibrancy. 

How Can You Protect Your Vision?

As mentioned above, quitting or avoiding tobacco is the most powerful step you can take to preserve your eye health.

Besides that, keeping your blood pressure under control will help to ensure the blood vessels in the eyes stay healthy.

Regular exercise can also promote eye health by boosting circulation. Additionally, eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables to take in nutrients known to boost eye health, including beta carotene and vitamins C and E.

Finally, see your eye care doctor annually, who will look for any signs of developing conditions that may need attention.

Whether you’re concerned about your risk for eye conditions or you’re simply due for an annual exam, receive the help you need at Colorado River Eye Care. Serving Mohave County, AZ, this optometrist’s office has been trusted among the community for more than three decades and uses the best technology to offer both general vision care as well as diagnosis and treatment for eye conditions. Explore their services online or call (928) 758-2020 to schedule an appointment.