Expert-Recommended Tips to Reverse Smoking-Related Eye Damage

New Delhi: Stop and think – when was the last time someone mentioned a health benefit of smoking? It goes without saying that smoking is nothing but a habit that is synonymous with innumerable health risks ranging from cancer risk to heart disease, obesity and even diabetes. And it’s not just the lungs, heart, and liver that take the brunt of smoking; your eyes are also affected. Experts say smoking can double the risk of diabetes, which can lead to diabetic retinopathy – a condition in which the blood vessels in the eyes are damaged leading to loss of vision. But the concept of eye damage because of smoking.

How does smoking affect the eyes?

While explaining the health risks of smoking and its effects on the eyes, experts emphasize the importance of watching what you eat each day and getting enough exercise, as exercise stimulates blood circulation, increasing thereby lowering oxygen levels in the blood and eliminating toxins.

Blurred vision: Smoking can trigger oxygen deprivation in the eyes, which can lead to blurred vision, burning sensation in the eyes, and excessive tearing. Exercising or moving can help keep your eyes healthy by preventing this condition. And if you are in a desk job, staying active during the day is of paramount importance. From taking the stairs to strolling on calls, movement in all its forms can come in handy.

Risk of dry eyes: Hydration is extremely important when it comes to reversing the negative effects of smoking on the eyes. Smokers are twice as likely to develop dry eye; therefore, they should take regular breaks from screen time. The 20-20-20 rule can help – every 20 minutes, stop looking at the computer and look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This can help avoid the risk of blurred vision or prevent dry eye from getting worse.

Cataracts: Cataracts are another risk factor when it comes to smoking. A cataract is a condition characterized by the clouding of the eye’s natural lens that can only be reversed by surgery. At a young age, the lenses are like clear glass that makes it easy for people to look at them. With age they become frosty and this begins to limit vision.

The following symptoms could be cause for concern:

How to reverse eye damage caused by smoking?

In a nutshell, the following expert-recommended tips may be the key to reversing smoking-related eye damage:

Warning: The tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or dietitian before starting any fitness program or making any changes to your diet.