When you smoke, it can have several adverse effects on your eyes. It can lead to a number of serious eye problems as well as make them worse. In addition to all of the other health problems that can come from smoking, the eye health problems that can develop make it vital that you stop smoking as soon as possible. Our ophthalmologist at Vision 3C Specialists in San Antonio would like to discuss the effects of smoking in regards to your eye health.

Age-Related Eye Problems

Several age-related eye conditions can be caused by smoking, and smoking can make these conditions worse. These conditions include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic-related retinopathy, and macular degeneration. Smoking can increase the likelihood that you will get these eye problems as you get older, and it can make them accelerate faster than they might have without smoking. For macular degeneration, smoking increases your risk by at least three times. Cataracts are three times more likely in smokers as well.

Other Conditions

Many other issues can be caused by smoking. Dry eye syndrome can be a difficult condition to live with. It can cause you to have pain and irritation in the eyes as well as make your eyes red and full of stringy mucus. Smoking can also cause accelerated wrinkles to form around your eyes. These can also be difficult to deal with, although they do not affect the eyes. Smoking has been shown to cause diabetes, and diabetes can lead to developing diabetic retinopathy.

Contact Our Ophthalmologist in San Antonio, TX

It is important to get your eye health assessed every year through a comprehensive eye exam. You can also ask Dr. Trujillo about quitting smoking and how it can help your eyes. If you would like to know more about the effects of smoking or to schedule an appointment with our ophthalmologist, call Vision 3C Specialists today at (210) 538-2020 or reach us through our website by using our online contact form.