Everyone knows (or should know) that smoking is a serious health hazard that can cause cancer. There has been much information published, too, about second-hand and even third-hand smoke. But new information now shows that cigarette smoke can damage your eyes as well as your lungs.
How cigarette smoke can damage the eyes
According to The American Cancer Society, people who smoke, especially older women who have gone through menopause, may be at higher risk for cataracts and macular degeneration, an eye disease which can cause blindness. The Centers For Disease Control also states that smoking is as bad for your eyes as it is for the rest of your body and can lead to optic nerve damage, which can also lead to blindness.
Other eye health issues related to smoking
According to a recent study by the University of Wisconsin, smokers are twice as likely to experience dry eye syndrome. But this is mild compared to the carcinogens in cigarette smoke damaging the retina, not to mention that smoke can also harden the arteries in the eyes which can lead to vision loss and blindness.
In January 1959, the Platters had the Number One record in America, Smoke Gets In Your Eyes. It was a great song that people remember to this day. The music was wonderful. Real smoke in your eyes is NOT.
