Rochester Eye Center Blog Insights

Why smoking is bad for your eyes; an infographic.

Written by The Rochester Eye & Laser Team | Jan 3, 2019 6:24:11 PM

Everyone knows about the negative health impacts of smoking, but do you know what it can do to your vision specifically?  Check out this infographic for details on just that!

  • Smokers are four times more likely to go blind in old age
  • Female smokers over age 80 are 5.5 times more likely to develop age-related macular degeneration
  • 25% of the age-related macular degeneration resulting in severe vision loss or blindness can be directly associated with tobacco smoke.
  • Woman who smoke while pregnant increase the risk of having their baby develop strabismus (crossed eyes) or retinopathy of prematurity (a potentially blinding disease)
  • Cataracts are the leading cause of vision loss. Smoking can double your risk of developing them
  • Children of tobacco smokers have a 20% greater chance of developing conjunctivitis, due to smoke allergy