Expert warns people in Portsmouth about one overlooked impact of smoking
While many people are aware that smoking damages the heart and lungs, far fewer understand the serious and often irreversible harm it can cause to eye health.
Smoking is silently robbing millions of their sight worldwide, warns vision expert and Clinical Services Director at Optical Express and ACES, Dr Stephen Hannan. Smokers are twice as likely to develop serious eye conditions such as cataracts and glaucoma, both of which can lead to permanent vision loss.
Current smokers are also up to four times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration (AMD) compared with people who have never smoked? AMD is the leading cause of blindness in the UK and affects the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision — meaning everyday tasks such as reading, driving and recognising faces can become increasingly difficult.
Tobacco smoke contains more than 7,000 harmful chemicals. Many enter the bloodstream and damage the delicate tissues and blood vessels within the eye, accelerating degeneration and dramatically increasing the risk of sight-threatening disease.
Smokers are at significantly higher risk of developing:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – The UK’s leading cause of blindness, affecting central vision.
- Cataracts – Smokers are up to three times more likely to develop cataracts, which cloud the eye’s natural lens and cause blurred or dim vision.
- Glaucoma – A condition that damages the optic nerve, often without early symptoms, and can lead to irreversible blindness.
- Dry eye syndrome – Smoking disrupts tear production, causing chronic irritation, redness and discomfort.
Encouragingly, research shows that quitting smoking can reduce the risk of developing these conditions and may help slow their progression. Circulation begins to improve within weeks of stopping, helping to protect the retina and other vital structures of the eye.
Dr Hannan said: “Few people recognise the devastating impact smoking can have on eyesight, yet the evidence is clear — it accelerates eye diseases that can lead to permanent vision loss.
“The longer someone smokes, the greater the risk. But the positive message is that quitting can significantly reduce that risk. Even within weeks of stopping, blood flow improves, reducing damage to the delicate structures inside the eye. Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps someone can take to protect their long-term vision.”
As the UK and Ireland’s leading provider of private eye care, Optical Express performs more than 60% of all vision correction surgery procedures across the UK and Ireland, including private pay cataract operations. Modern vision correction treatments can improve both distance and near vision, reducing — and in many cases eliminating — the need for glasses and contact lenses. Over 93% of Optical Express patients tell us their quality of life improved following vision correction surgery, citing greater freedom, convenience and confidence in everyday life.
Ahead of No Smoking Day on 11 March, Optical Express is urging smokers to protect their sight by quitting and by attending regular eye examinations or vision correction consultations to detect early signs of disease and as a means to improve their uncorrected vision.
To arrange a vision correction consultation or book an eye examination, visit: www.opticalexpress.co.uk