Follow – conscious
Ophthalmologist Arben Adamian points out that smoking affects the entire body and the eyes are no exception, so regular and long-term smoking can lead to glaucoma.
She says: “According to recent World Health Organization data, about 1.3 billion people in the world smoke regularly in various forms, including 47 percent of men and 12 percent of women. The number of smokers is increasing every day, and it is noted that the number of smokers is increasing among minors, due to the wide variety of tobacco products.” “.
The doctor points out that cigarettes contain nicotine, tar, and about 40 compounds that have carcinogenic and radioactive properties, and tobacco smoke in the body causes chronic poisoning and organ dysfunction. Because it causes disruption of the oxygen supply to organs and tissues and narrowing of blood vessels.
According to her, first of all small blood vessels are affected – the vessels of the eyes, heart, kidneys and brain. Therefore, the most complaints of smokers are related to eye redness, burning, and photophobia – this is due to the direct effect of smoke on the eyes, and causes an allergic reaction - allergic conjunctivitis, constant irritation of the eyes, mucous membranes and tear glands, which leads to dry eyes and the symptoms that accompany it. .
The doctor points out that smoking can cause degenerative changes in the cornea in smokers and a continuous decrease in visual acuity.
She says: “The next problem is a spasm of the blood vessels in the eye, which leads to problems with blood circulation and causes irreversible atrophic changes in the retina, the optic nerve, and the glands that regulate the flow of fluid inside the eye, so a person who smokes often develops glaucoma.”
According to her, the effect of free radicals resulting from tobacco smoke causes premature cataracts of the eye lens, the treatment of which requires surgery, noting that the main problem of all degenerative and degenerative diseases in the eyes is that their symptoms do not appear and the ophthalmologist discovers them during the examination, and we must know that treating these diseases The diseases are very complex and take a long time, so it is necessary to see an ophthalmologist at least once a year to ensure that there are no changes that require treatment.
she points out that when smoking is quitted, the complaint often disappears and the person’s health condition improves, including the condition of the eyes.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Ophthalmologist Arben Adamian
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, Dr. Adamian! Thank you for joining us today. Your expertise in ophthalmology is invaluable, especially in light of the alarming statistics on smoking and its effects on health.
Dr. Arben Adamian (AA): Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s important to discuss these issues as they impact so many lives.
TNE: Let’s start with the big picture. You mentioned that around 1.3 billion people worldwide smoke regularly. What do you think has contributed to this persistent rise, especially among minors?
AA: That’s a crucial concern. The increasing variety of tobacco products on the market is certainly a factor. Vaping and e-cigarettes have made smoking more accessible and appealing to younger individuals. Moreover, the marketing tactics often target younger demographics, creating an illusion that smoking is a cool or harmless choice.
TNE: You’ve highlighted that smoking leads to severe health issues, particularly affecting the eyes. Can you elaborate on how smoking contributes to conditions like glaucoma?
AA: Absolutely. Smoking introduces numerous harmful substances into the body. The nicotine and tar can damage small blood vessels, including those in the eyes. This can lead to poor blood flow and oxygen supply to the optic nerve, which may result in glaucoma. Over time, this pressure buildup can lead to vision loss if not addressed.
TNE: That sounds quite serious. How does the impact of smoking on the eyes compare to its effects on other organs?
AA: Smoking is detrimental to multiple organs, but the eyes are often overlooked. The effects on the heart, kidneys, and brain are well-documented, but the eyes deserve more attention. The sensitivity of ocular blood vessels makes them particularly vulnerable to the chronic poisoning from tobacco smoke. Once the eye has been damaged, recovering vision can be complex and challenging.
TNE: Speaking of challenges, what steps can individuals take to protect their eye health if they are current smokers?
AA: The best step is to quit smoking altogether. Resources like counseling, support groups, and cessation programs can be incredibly helpful. Additionally, regular eye check-ups are essential, as early detection of issues like glaucoma can prevent further damage.
TNE: With the rise in awareness about smoking-related health risks, do you think we are seeing a cultural shift toward reducing smoking, especially among the youth?
AA: There is indeed some progress—many nations have implemented stricter regulations on advertising and age limits for tobacco products. However, there’s still a long way to go. We need to work on education and prevention strategies from a young age, emphasizing the comprehensive health risks of smoking, including its impact on eye health.
TNE: Such a multifaceted issue! Before we wrap up, what is your key message for our readers regarding smoking and eye health?
AA: My key message is simple: prioritize your health. Smoking is not just a habit; it’s a risk factor for serious diseases, including those affecting your eyes. Awareness and proactive measures can make a significant difference. If you smoke, seek help to quit, and if you don’t, advocate for others to make healthy choices. Your vision is invaluable, and it deserves protection.
TNE: Thank you so much, Dr. Adamian! It’s been enlightening to discuss the intricate relationship between smoking and eye health. We appreciate your insights and expertise.
AA: Thank you for the opportunity to share. It’s vital to keep this conversation going!