We’ve known for decades now that smoking is far from the healthiest thing you can do to your body, with a myriad of potential illnesses that come at a higher risk once you pick up cigarettes, and the same is starting to become true of vaping as well.
An eye doctor is hoping to bring awareness to less common, but equally as dangerous, side effects of both that could leave people permanently blind.
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An eye doctor has begun spreading awareness about a new smoking risk.
Well, not new new, but a lesser-known one he’s trying to bring more awareness to.
Optician Sujata Paul spoke to Birmingham Live about the short- and long-term effects of smoking and vaping on one’s eyes.
The risks are seriously scary.
“On a short-term perspective, tobacco smoke can also cause dry eye syndrome, leading to irritated and painful eyes.”
He also said smoking can cause oxidative stress, which is a stressor your body feels when your oxygen levels are imbalanced.
Obviously, that isn’t a good thing.
“Like anywhere else in the body, additional stress can have negative effects on your health. Over time, vaping will increase your risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and even glaucoma.”
Some of these illnesses can cause permanent blindness.
” Glaucoma reduces your vision and can even result in permanent blindness if left untreated,” Paul said. The same goes for cataracts.
Paul considers this warning to be of critical importance, and something current smokers ought to know.
This also adds to the growing list of vape-related health concerns.
There are increasing cases of lung illnesses being caused by vaping, some even leading to death, making the often-thought replacement for cigarette smoking just as dangerous.
Though smoking is already known to be dangerous, it’s important to know all the potential risks you could face in picking up or continuing the habit.
h/t: LADBible
