Fact: Smoking Increases Dry Eye Syndrome

August 1, 2012 by All About Dry Eye

Like with many diseases, quite a few of the factors associated with dry eye syndrome can be controlled. Take for example, smoking cigarettes.

Picture this: tobacco smoke is composed of over 4,000 different chemicals including formaldehyde and acetone (also known as nail polish remover!). Many of these chemicals are toxic with either short or long-term exposure. Several of these toxins are aggravating to the eye, not to mention poisonous to eye tissue. Moreover, smokers are said to be twice as likely to report complaints of dry eye symptoms as non-smokers!¹ Have you put down that Marlboro lite yet? No? Okay, here’s more evidence:

A study by Banskent University was held to investigate the effects of smoking cigarettes on the ocular surface and tear film. The study results verified that an average smoker is inducing significant and distinctive quantitative and qualitative disturbances on the ocular surface in comparison to a non-smoker. Moreover, the study proved that smoking has deteriorating effects on the lipid layer.²  Of course, the lipid or “oil” layer of the eye is directly responsible for lubricating and preventing the evaporation of aqueous tears. So, what can an insufficient lipid layer cause? You guessed it- those dry, itchy, rip-your-hair-out irritating eyes.

The study also revealed that the group of smokers had significantly shortened tear film break up times. Drinking alcohol can have a similar effect.

Being exposed, even just to second-hand smoke, can alter the tear film and exacerbate dry eyes. We recently discussed dry eye in children, and if you puff in the house- you could be adding to your child’s discomfort and not just your own.

Quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamin A can help prevent dry eye syndrome from ruining your day.

In closing, eh-hem, butt out for your eyes sake!

Are you a smoker who is plagued by dry eye syndrome? Do you notice dryer eyes and/or increased irritation during your smoke breaks?

¹ http://www.tree.com/health/methods-and-techniques-to-prevent-dry-eye-syndrome.aspx

² http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18425058?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DiscoveryPanel.Pubmed_Discovery_RA&linkpos=1&log$=relatedarticles&logdbfrom=pubmed

1. -See more at: http://allaboutdryeye.com/2012/08/01/fact-smoking-increases-dry-eye-syndrome/#sthash.FdSgJy4J.dpuf