1. Smoking and Vision

2. Smoking and vision Facts about smoking What is in a cigarette?
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Macular degeneration
Strabismus
Contact lenses
Environmental tobacco smoke

3. The facts about smoking
Smokers are 82 per cent more likely than non smokers to suffer from dry eye
Even former smokers have a 22 per cent higher incidence of dry eye than non smokers

4. What is in a cigarette? As many as 4000 active compounds
Most of them toxic on acute or long term exposure
Toxic compounds have negative effects on different organs including the eye

5. Smoking and cataracts Cloudiness in the lens of the eye
Cataracts are common in people over 60
Smokers develop cataracts earlier and more severely

6. Smoking and glaucoma Disease of optic nerve Loss of peripheral vision
There is thought to be an association between smoking and glaucoma
Treatment best in early stages

7. Smoking and AMD
Age-related macular degeneration is the leading cause of blindness
It is thought that smoking doubles the risk of late AMD
The risk of late AMD remains higher until 20 years after a person stops smoking

8. Smoking and strabismus
Turning of the eye or eyes
Common in children
Treatment can include glasses, patching or exercises
Smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of strabismus in children

9. Smoking and contact lenses
Increased risk of contact lens related infection
Smokers are more likely to suffer from dry eye, increasing the chance of contact lens difficulties

10. Environmental Tobacco Smoke
Cigarette smoke irritates the film covering the white part of the eye
Cigarette smoke affects the eyes of non smokers through second-hand smoke
Eye irritation is the most common complaint due to environmental tobacco smoke

11. Regular eye examinations are essential
No referral is required
Eye tests attract a medicare rebate
Find your local optometrist at

12. Optometrists Provide a comprehensive visual examination
Detect and diagnose eye health problems
Prescribe and supply glasses and contact lenses when required
Diagnose and treat eye coordination and focussing problems