Stop smoking cigarettes before they make you blind: Study

A new study published in the journal Psychiatry Research has revealed that smoking can make you blind by damaging your retina.

By: IANS | | Published: April 7, 2019 10:43 am

Smoking increases the chemical compounds in the bloodstream thereby reducing blood and oxygen flow to the retina. © Shutterstock

Do you smoke cigarettes? Think twice before taking another drag as it may not only damage your heart or lungs but can also make you blind, experts say.

“The vision loss caused by retinal diseases cannot be reversed. However, if the condition is diagnosed on time the disease can be managed effectively to prevent further loss of vision. Recognition of symptom is a key aspect for timely diagnosis,” Ajay Dudani, Ophthalmologist/Eye and Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Mumbai Retina Centre, told IANS.

“The symptoms of these retinal diseases are often confused with those of old age or other eye disorders which leads to delayed diagnosis,” he added.

People with diabetes need to be extra cautious of any vision changes and need to follow a healthy lifestyle as they are more susceptible to diabetic retinopathy.

“Today, there are treatment options available that can slow or halt disease progression. Some of the treatment options available in India include laser photocoagulation, anti-VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) injections and combination therapy which includes laser and anti-VEGF treatment,” Dudani asserted.

According to experts, owing to an unhealthy lifestyle, dietary habits and constant stress and exposure to digital screens, the incidence of retinal diseases and other eye disorders is rising amongst the working population.

They say that a cessation programme can help an individual quit smoking.

“It can be advised to consult an expert and take up a cessation programme to quit smoking. Other than this, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and including a range of brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, that have antioxidants can help maintain retinal health,” Narayanan said.

“Dark, leafy greens such as kale, spinach, lettuce etc. have lutein and zeaxanthin – both important nutrients for eye health. Certain vitamins like vitamin C and vitamin A also help in overall eye health and help prevent the progression of AMD and DME,” he noted.

Published : April 7, 2019 10:43 am

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