Smoking and Vision

Smoking and vision Facts about smoking What is in a cigarette? Cataracts Glaucoma Macular degeneration Strabismus Contact lenses Environmental tobacco smoke

The facts about smoking Smokers are 82 per cent more likely than non smokers to suffer from dry eye Even former smokers have a 22 per cent higher incidence of dry eye than non smokers

What is in a cigarette? As many as 4000 active compounds Most of them toxic on acute or long term exposure Toxic compounds have negative effects on different organs including the eye

Smoking and cataracts Cloudiness in the lens of the eye Cataracts are common in people over 60 Smokers develop cataracts earlier and more severely

Smoking and glaucoma Disease of optic nerve Loss of peripheral vision There is thought to be an association between smoking and glaucoma Treatment best in early stages

Smoking and AMD Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness It is thought that smoking doubles the risk of late AMD The risk of late AMD remains higher until 20 years after a person stops smoking

Smoking and strabismus Turning of the eye or eyes Common in children Treatment can include glasses, patching or exercises Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of strabismus in children

Smoking and contact lenses Increased risk of contact lens related infection Smokers are more likely to suffer from dry eye, increasing the chance of contact lens difficulties

Environmental Tobacco Smoke Cigarette smoke irritates the film covering the white part of the eye Cigarette smoke affects the eyes of non smokers through second-hand smoke Eye irritation is the most common complaint due to environmental tobacco smoke

Regular eye examinations are essential No referral is required Eye tests attract a medicare rebate Find your local optometrist at www.optometry.org.au

Optometrists Provide a comprehensive visual examination Detect and diagnose eye health problems Prescribe and supply glasses and contact lenses when required Diagnose and treat eye coordination and focussing problems