Smoking Causes Lasting Damage to Your Eyes

Smoking affects nearly every system in the body, and your eyes are no exception. While many people are aware of the risks smoking poses to the lungs or heart, far fewer know that cigarette smoke can contribute to permanent vision loss and serious eye diseases including age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, cataracts, and chronic dry eye.

How Smoking Damages the Eyes

Cigarette smoke contains over 7,000 chemicals, many of which enter the bloodstream and travel to the eyes. These toxic compounds trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, harming the retina, macula, optic nerve, and delicate blood vessels that supply oxygen to the eye.

Some of the key ways smoking harms your vision include:

• Constricted blood vessels, reducing oxygen delivery to the retina

• Increased inflammation, accelerating damage to sensitive eye tissues

• Higher risk of AMD, especially in genetically predisposed individuals

• Slower response to eye treatments, particularly for wet AMD

Even after quitting, damage to the base membrane of the retina and the surrounding capillaries may persist. This allows waste products to build up under the retina, which can worsen dry AMD or cause it to progress to its more severe, vision-threatening form.

Genetics and Smoking Are a Dangerous Mix

Genetics play a role in up to 70% of AMD cases, but smoking significantly increases the risk especially for those with a family history. According to the Macular Society, one-third of all AMD cases are linked to both genetic factors and tobacco use.

"You can’t control your genetics," said Taariq Mohammed, MD, a vitreoretinal surgeon at the University of Maryland. "But you can control your smoking habits."

Everyday Exposure Can Still Harm Eye Health

The effects of tobacco aren’t limited to internal damage. Handling cigarettes and then touching your eyes or contact lenses can cause direct surface irritation. Tar and nicotine on the hands can contaminate lenses, leading to:

• A burning sensation

• Chronic dry eye

• Increased risk for cataracts and uveitis (inflammation of the iris)

Secondhand smoke is also harmful especially for children. A study in Hong Kong found that even low levels of exposure (as little as one cigarette per day) were linked to changes in the part of the eye that supplies blood to the retina. In pregnant women, smoking has been associated with serious fetal eye issues such as underdeveloped optic nerves and misaligned eyes two major contributors to childhood blindness.

What About Vaping and Cannabis?

Electronic cigarettes aren’t necessarily safer. Though marketed as a cleaner alternative, vaping still delivers nicotine, which raises blood pressure and heart rate both risk factors for eye disease.

A 2017 study found that chemicals in e-cigarettes can trigger oxidative stress, potentially damaging eye tissues. More recent research links vaping to dry eye and reduced tear film quality. Some vaporizers may also produce formaldehyde, a known irritant and possible carcinogen.

The science on cannabis is less conclusive. While some studies show that cannabis may reduce intraocular pressure potentially helping with glaucoma others suggest it releases inflammatory compounds similar to tobacco smoke. More long-term studies are needed.

Can You Reverse the Damage?

Unfortunately, many of the changes caused by smoking especially to the retina and macula are permanent. However, quitting smoking at any age can reduce your risk of future eye problems and slow the progression of existing ones.

To protect your vision:

• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke

• Get annual comprehensive eye exams, especially if you have a history of smoking

• Eat a nutrient-rich diet full of leafy greens, antioxidant-rich fruits, and fish

• Exercise regularly and manage your blood pressure and cholesterol

AMD often develops silently, so regular eye checkups are essential for early detection and intervention.

Share it with someone you care about or subscribe to our newsletter for more wellness updates.