Ophthalmologists warn that smoking also accelerates vision loss

In Spain, approximately 25% of the adult population smokes tobacco daily, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although this figure is gradually decreasing, and despite the fact that its effects are usually associated with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases, tobacco is one of the main preventable risk factors linked to the development and progression of serious eye diseases. In this regard, specialists remind us that smoking can also accelerate vision deterioration and increase the risk of irreversible damage to the retina.

On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day (May 31), experts from Miranza have warned about the impact of smoking on eye health, especially in retinal diseases such as Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD), a degenerative disease of the macula or central area of the retina, responsible for the most detailed vision, and which habitual smokers are five times more likely to develop than non-smokers.

Lucía Galletero, a retina specialist at Miranza Bilbao, explains that “one of the most studied factors strongly associated with retinal diseases is tobacco. Many patients are older and do not smoke, but others do. In the clinic, we must emphasize that they should not smoke, because it has been shown to be not only a risk factor for onset, but also for progression.”

In this regard, Cristina Robles, a specialist at Miranza Bilbao, notes that “AMD is associated with aging, but there are other factors such as smoking that affect the development of the disease. We are talking about a multifactorial pathology.”

Tobacco and its impact on the eyes

Tobacco smoke contains thousands of toxic substances that directly affect the vascularization and oxygenation of eye tissues. Nicotine promotes the constriction of blood vessels, and carbon monoxide impairs proper oxygen transport, increasing oxidative stress in especially sensitive structures such as the retina.

In addition to increasing the risk of AMD, smoking is also linked to other conditions and visual alterations such as cataracts, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, premature aging of the eyelids and eye contour, and greater visual fatigue and eye irritation.

Álvaro Escobar, a specialist at Miranza Madrid, emphasizes the importance of prevention and healthy habits: “It is important to have certain habits that help maintain the structural and functional integrity of the eye, and for this it is essential not to smoke.”

In the same line, Hernán Donoso, a specialist at Miranza Madrid, reminds us that many risk factors can be avoided through lifestyle changes: “The main thing, and what patients need to do, is change their habits. For example, if they smoke, avoid it. When we talk about macular degeneration, an important trigger to consider is smoking.”

Prevention and eye check-ups

Miranza specialists remind us that giving up tobacco can help slow the progression of eye damage and recommend regular eye examinations, especially from the age of 50 or in people with a family history of retinal diseases.

Early detection in conditions such as AMD, where an early diagnosis can help slow disease progression and preserve vision for longer, is essential.