Every year thousands of these people will suffer from health problems related to their habit. 1 Millions of people across the UK smoke or smoke, but experts have warned that it could be harmful to your eye health Credit: AFP An estimated 6.9 million people in the UK smoke every day. National Statistics Office (ONS) figures show that this corresponds to 14.1 percent of people over the age of 18. However, in recent years, smoking has become less popular, and in an effort to quit – many people have begun to smoke. An estimated 3.3 million Britons are steaming and the NHS is recommending it to help people quit smoking permanently. Studies have shown that vapors are less harmful than cigarettes, but some experts have warned that these products could also cause brain damage. Marketing these products also makes them more attractive to children – endangering their health. While most people are aware of the dangers that tobacco products can pose to our health, such as problems with our lungs, an expert has now warned of the dangers to our eyes. Contact lens optician Sujata Paul said that many people do not realize that these products can have a negative impact on our eyesight. Sujata, who works with Lenstore, explained that smoking can increase the risk of serious eye conditions that in some cases can lead to permanent vision loss, including AMD (age-related macular degeneration), cataracts and glaucoma. “In the short term, cigarette smoke can also cause dry eye syndrome, leading to irritated and sore eyes.” The eye guru explained that while smoking is dangerous, vaporization can also cause oxidative stress in the eyes. She explained: “Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance in your oxygen levels. “Like anywhere else in the body, extra stress can have a detrimental effect on your health. “Overtime, evaporation will increase the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration and even glaucoma. “Glaucoma reduces your vision and can even lead to permanent blindness if left untreated.”
HELP IN HAND
In order to improve your eye health, Sujata said that quitting smoking will help prevent any long-term damage to your eye health. Reveal three key ways to get rid of the habit.
1. Set the date
Choose a date that you would like to skip and consider setting a date within the next two weeks. Sujata explained that two weeks give you enough time to prepare without losing motivation to stop. “If you’re someone who smokes mostly at work, it would be a good idea to quit on the weekend, it gives you plenty of time to adjust,” he added.
2. Take them out
It is very easy to be tempted if you have these products around you, so Sujata said you should throw them all away. “This includes lighters, ashtrays, matches and anything you associate with smoking. “Washing clothes or anything else that smells of smoke will remove any further temptation,” he said.
3. Ask for help
It can be difficult to do it yourself and your doctor has resources available that can help you quit smoking. The guru explained that your doctor may prescribe medications that relieve withdrawal symptoms. “Other alternatives are nicotine patches, lozenges and chewing gum. All three can be purchased at your local pharmacy,” he added. It is important if you start to notice changes in your vision, such as blurred spots in your central vision, that you need more light to read and the straight lines start to look wavy, then check. Ophthalmologic examination is often the most effective method for the early detection of any eye disease. Doctors can also give you injections into your eye to prevent any further damage. Some patients may even need them on a regular basis to save their eyesight, Sujata added.
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