Smoking and Blindness: Proven Link Confirmed

Bangkok: Is it true that smoking can cause blindness? Recent investigations confirm that smoking not only harms the body but also significantly impacts eye health, potentially leading to blindness. According to Thai News Agency, warnings have been shared regarding the detrimental effects of smoking on the eyes. Nicotine and other toxins found in cigarettes impair the functioning of the body's tiny capillaries, particularly affecting the retina or macula. This sensitive organ's blood vessels, essential for supplying nutrients, are damaged by these toxins, leading to faster deterioration than usual. In addition to smoking, other risk factors for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) include age, with individuals over 50 most commonly affected, prolonged exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet radiation, genetic predisposition, and chronic conditions like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Besides macular degeneration, cigarette smoke can also cause dry eyes and irritation, resulting in red and easily irr itated eyes compared to the general population. While quitting smoking may not reverse existing damage, it can help reduce further harm and lower the risk of blindness from AMD. Reducing or stopping smoking can also alleviate symptoms of dry, irritated, or red eyes caused by secondhand smoke. This information has been fact-checked by Peerapol Anutthasoth and reviewed by Chayanit Phongsai, confirming that smoking is indeed harmful to the eyes and can cause blindness. This information is shareable and verified.