On Wednesday, doctors warned that individuals who engage in chain smoking and excessive alcohol consumption are at a heightened risk of vision loss, shedding light on the underestimated damage these habits inflict on eye health.
Both smoking and binge drinking are widely recognized for their adverse effects on overall health, including the heart, liver, and lungs. However, their detrimental impact on vision is often overlooked.
According to health experts, smoking and binge drinking can contribute to conditions such as dry eyes, cataracts, and macular degeneration, ultimately leading to vision impairment.
Dr. Dheeraj Gupta, Senior Consultant in Ophthalmology at Marengo Asia Hospital in Gurugram, emphasized that smoking leads to the narrowing of blood vessels, including those in the eyes. This constriction heightens the risk of conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts, potentially resulting in severe vision impairment or blindness.
Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman and Managing Director of the Center for Sight in New Delhi, highlighted that smoking escalates the risk of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration. Additionally, it diminishes blood flow to the eyes, potentially causing eyesight issues.
Regarding alcohol consumption, continuous intake can harm the optic nerve, crucial for transmitting visual information to the brain. This damage may lead to conditions like alcoholic optic neuropathy, characterized by symptoms such as blurred vision and blind spots.
Drinking alcohol regularly can exacerbate the development of conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts, worsen dry eye syndrome, and heighten the risk of glaucoma, Dr. Mahipal noted.
The doctors stressed the importance of reducing both smoking and alcohol consumption to maintain optimal eye health. Regular eye examinations were also emphasized for early detection and effective treatment of underlying eye problems.
“Minimizing or abstaining from smoking and alcohol consumption is essential for maintaining good eye health,” reiterated Dr. Dheeraj.
