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The negative health effects associated with smoking are widely known. Cigarettes alone contain many toxic ingredients that can cause serious harm to the organs. Smoking also poses a unique risk to the health of the eyes. People who smoke are at an increased risk of developing vision-threatening eye diseases, including cataracts. The experts at Berks Eye recommend regular eye exams if you are a smoker or were one previously. Continue reading for more information about how smoking can jeopardize your vision.

Age-related Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a serious condition that can significantly affect central vision. If you smoke, the retinal blood vessels may constrict, which increases your blood pressure and puts you at a greater risk of experiencing permanent vision loss from AMD.

Cataracts

Cataracts are a leading cause of vision loss. A cataract occurs when the eye’s natural lens, which is usually clear, becomes clouded. This leads to obscured vision, sensitivity to light, and trouble seeing at night or in low-light environments. Smoking and the toxins associated with it can ultimately increase the amount of free radicals your eye is exposed to, which can negatively impact proteins in the eye and lead to deposits on the lens of the eye. Antioxidants are helpful at reducing the effects of free radicals, but if you smoke, even consuming an antioxidant-rich diet may be ineffective in removing the threat.

Retinal Detachment

When delicate blood vessels in the eye become swollen, they can sometimes rupture and leak fluid into the retina, causing detachment. Smoking significantly increases bodily inflammation, making swollen vessels more likely.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye is an eye condition that affects the tears that nourish and protect the cornea. Burning, itchiness, redness, and foreign object sensation are all symptoms of this condition. The harsh chemicals within smoke can irritate the eyes, leading to these bothersome symptoms. Smoking, as well as exposure to smoke secondhand, increases the risk of experiencing dry eye syndrome.

Optic Nerve Issues

The optic nerve links the eyes to the brain. When this connection is damaged, permanent vision loss can follow. Smokers are put at a greater risk for optic nerve issues.

Healthy Vision in Wyomissing

Healthy lifestyle choices can lead to healthy eyes. Smoking can cause a number of eye-related diseases. Even being exposed to secondhand smoke can lead to eye issues. Smokers who quit are taking the first step to the health of their vision, but the damage that smoking causes can endure until it is treated. Berks Eye provides ophthalmic, optometric, and optical services designed to help you maintain or improve your eye health and vision. Contact our office today to schedule an eye exam.

By: Dr. Benjamin Nicholas, Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons

Over the past few months, you may have heard some concerning stories about devastating side effects from artificial tears. These eyedrops are meant to supplement a deficient tear film and clear mucus away from the ocular surface to alleviate the symptoms of a dry eye. Dry eye itself is extremely common with an estimated prevalence of greater than 16 million patients back in 2017 (1), and these over-the-counter eye drops are almost universally recommended by eye doctors on account of their good safety profile and effectiveness. “You can never OD on an artificial tear,” said one of my mentors. So, what’s all the fuss?

Eye health is important to your quality of life. Regular eye exams are the best way to detect and treat eye conditions. Here, the knowledgeable team at Berks Eye discusses five common eye conditions, including their symptoms and treatments.

In recent years, working remotely has become the new normal, with many workers having to adjust to using their homes as their primary workplace. Unfortunately, this meant that spending hours in front of a computer screen, too, has become standard practice. As a consequence, reports of eye strain and other symptoms have become more prevalent. The good news is that for those who use computers as a core part of their job, there are a few things that can be done at work to improve eye wellness.

Take Breaks for Optimal Eye Health

Looking at a computer screen over long periods can lead to symptoms such as dry and tired eyes. Taking frequent breaks allows your eyes to rest. Keep in mind that your eye break should extend to all screens; it is not helpful to take a break from your work computer, only to pull out your smartphone during that time. Instead, consider gazing out of an open window or even shutting your eyes for a few seconds. A total eye break is essential to helping your eyes feel their best.

Keep an Appropriate Distance

Avoid sitting too close to your computer screen. You should position yourself about an arm’s length away from your computer screen. Make sure to adjust the screen brightness so that your vision is comfortable while looking at the screen and not strained.

Use Eye Drops

If you suffer from dry eyes, consider using eye drops to help with eye comfort. Eye drops, also known as artificial tears, can provide nourishment to the eyes and stave off the effects of dry eyes. Apply your drops as recommended for the full effect. The doctors at Berks Eye can recommend brands of over-the-counter eye drops that may work best for you.

Humidifiers

If you work in a low-moisture environment, including at home, investing in a humidifier could do wonders for your eye wellness. These devices increase the level of moisture in the air, which can help improve the way your eyes feel while working. There are even desktop humidifiers that are compact and fit conveniently into your workspace.

Protect Your Eyes

Eye wellness does not exclusively apply to those in an office setting. Individuals that work in high-risk environments, such as construction sites or manufacturing facilities, should be wearing protective eyewear on the job to prevent severe eye injuries.

Prioritize Your Eye Wellness with Berks Eye Physicians & Surgeons

Do not take your eye health for granted. To maintain a lifetime of healthy vision, adults ages 18 to 60 should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years. Older adults (ages 65 and older) should have annual eye exams. Schedule an eye exam with one of our experienced ophthalmologists or optometrists today by contacting us at our office at (610) 372-0712 or scheduling online at Berkseye.com.