Vision Health and Smoking

Smoking can cause all kinds of problems with your overall health, including issues with your vision. At Lock Family Eye Care in West Des Moines, IA, we provide vision screening, glasses, contacts, and a full range of services for residents of all ages.

If you are a smoker, know the impact that smoking can have on your eye health. From dry eyes because of poor circulation, to optic nerve problems because of smoking, know your risks so that you have the motivation to quit the habit.

Dry Eyes and Your Vision Health

Dry eyes are common for people who are smokers. When your eyes are dry, you can have itchy, red eyes. Your eyes might feel like they burn, or sting if you are a smoker. This can lead to excessive scratching, and you can damage your lens or exterior of your eye. If you are a smoker and you suffer from dry eyes, it is time to find a way to quit smoking.

Eye Problems From Smoking

Smokers increase their risk of suffering from cataracts, a problem with the clouding of the lens of your eyes. Age-related macular degeneration is exacerbated in people who smoke, as is diabetic retinopathy. This occurs when the blood vessels in your eyes are damaged, causing vision problems and potentially blindness. Smoking cigarettes can make your vision worse, causing problems with your vision that cannot be reversed. If you have any problems with your vision and you are a smoker, it is important to get your vision checked right away.

Get Your Vision Checked Today

If it has been more than a year since you have had a vision exam, it is time to schedule an appointment with Lock Family Eye Care. Call us today at 515-267-1312 and set up an eye exam. We are a full-service eye care center in West Des Moines, IA, ready to help you with all your vision health needs.