The impact of smoking and alcohol on eye health
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At Clínica Castellote, specialists in ophthalmology in Castellón, we know that caring for your eyesight goes beyond wearing glasses or having regular check-ups. Habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption can seriously affect eye health and increase the risk of vision-related diseases. Below, we explain how.
Smoking: a silent enemy of your eyes
Smoking damages not only the lungs and heart but also directly affects the eyes. It reduces blood flow to the eyes, depriving the retina of oxygen and essential nutrients.
The eye diseases most closely linked to smoking include:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
Smoking doubles the risk of developing this disease, one of the leading causes of vision loss in people over 60.
- Cataracts
The toxic substances in tobacco accelerate clouding of the lens, causing blurred vision and loss of sharpness.
- Dry eye syndrome
Smoking irritates the tear glands and can cause chronic dry eye, particularly in people who wear contact lenses or spend many hours in front of screens.
Alcohol and its effects on eyesight
Excessive alcohol consumption also affects eye health. In the short term, it can cause blurred vision and light sensitivity. However, the most concerning effects develop over time.
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency
Alcohol interferes with the absorption of vitamins essential for the nervous system and retina, which can cause optic neuropathies.
- Increased eye pressure
Regular drinking can encourage the development of glaucoma, a disease that damages the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss.
- Eye dehydration
Alcohol has a diuretic effect that reduces tear production, causing eye discomfort and dryness.
How to protect your eye health
At Clínica Castellote, we recommend a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular ophthalmic check-ups and, above all, avoiding tobacco and moderating alcohol consumption. These habits improve not only your vision but also your overall wellbeing.
Smoking and alcohol can have a silent but devastating impact on your eyes. The good news is that many of these effects can be prevented through early detection and healthy habits.
If you notice changes in your vision or would like your eyes checked, we look forward to seeing you at Clínica Castellote, your centre for ophthalmology in Castellón.