Dr Moïse Tourabaly · Key points

Smoking and vision: part by part

Smoke acts on the small blood vessels, the oxidative balance and inflammation. Depending on the part of the eye, the link is strong, modest or not demonstrated.

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  1. Surface of the eyeSmoke irritates straight away; the link with dry eye remains poorly established.
    Dry eye: not demonstrated
  2. Lens: cataractA real risk, of modest size.
    Real, modest link
  3. Macula: AMDSmoking is its main non-genetic risk factor, and it brings the disease on earlier.
    Best-established link
  4. Optic nerve: glaucomaStudies contradict each other; a causal link has not been demonstrated.
    Not demonstrated
  5. Retinal blood vessels: diabetic retinopathyNot an established risk factor; control of diabetes and blood pressure remains decisive.
    Not demonstrated
  6. Orbit: Graves' orbitopathySmoking is the most important risk factor, with more severe forms.
    Weightiest link
Stopping lowers the risk from then on; it does not repair what is already damaged.

Educational diagram · Dr Moïse Tourabaly, ophthalmologist. It does not replace a consultation.