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Health experts have issued a stark warning to chain smokers and alcohol enthusiasts, highlighting the severe threat that these habits pose to vision health. According to doctors, smoking and binge drinking not only jeopardize overall well-being but also significantly increase the risk of vision-related complications, potentially leading to irreversible vision loss.
Dr. Dheeraj Gupta, Senior Consultant in Ophthalmology at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, emphasized the profound impact of smoking on eye health, citing its detrimental effects on blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the eyes. “This constriction can increase the risk of developing conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts,” Dr. Gupta explained. “Moreover, smoking can cause artery blockages in the eye, which may result in severe vision impairment or even blindness.”
Dr. Mahipal Singh Sachdev, Chairman and Managing Director of the Center for Sight in New Delhi, echoed these concerns, noting that smoking raises the risk of diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Additionally, he highlighted how smoking reduces blood flow to the eyes, potentially leading to eyesight issues.
In parallel, alcohol consumption poses its own set of risks to vision health. Continuous alcohol consumption can lead to the degeneration of the optic nerve, which is vital for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain, according to Dr. Dheeraj. This damage can result in conditions like alcoholic optic neuropathy, characterized by symptoms such as blurred vision, blind spots, and loss of color vision.
Dr. Mahipal emphasized that regular alcohol consumption can exacerbate AMD and cataract development, worsen dry eye syndrome, and increase the likelihood of glaucoma.
Both experts stressed the critical importance of minimizing or abstaining from smoking and alcohol consumption to maintain good eye health. Additionally, they underscored the necessity of routine eye exams for early detection and effective treatment of any underlying eye conditions.
“Maintaining excellent eye health requires cutting down on both smoking and alcohol consumption,” Dr. Dheeraj emphasized, urging individuals to prioritize their vision by adopting healthier lifestyle choices.
