World No Tobacco Day 2023: The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 80% of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of disease and related deaths with tobacco it is higher.
Smoking is a well-known factor for most life-threatening diseases. World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on May 31 to raise awareness about the health dangers of excessive tobacco use. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 80 percent of the world’s 1.3 billion tobacco users live in low- and middle-income countries, where the burden of tobacco-related disease and death is greatest. . Tobacco use contributes to poverty by diverting household spending away from basic needs, such as food and shelter, to tobacco.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that smoking causes cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Smoking also increases the risk of tuberculosis, certain eye diseases, and immune system problems, including rheumatoid arthritis. Smoking also has a great impact on people’s vision. On the occasion of World No Tobacco Day 2023, Dr Nita A Shah, Head of Clinical Services, Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Chembur, Mumbai provides some important insights into how smoking negatively affects vision and how smokers are more prone to early vision loss and cataracts.
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Dr. Shah says: “Smoking can damage the optic nerve that connects the eye to the brain, leading to vision loss. Smoking also increases the risk of cardiovascular disorders that affect the eye. The chemicals in cigarette smoke cause significant damage to the eyes, exacerbating existing eye conditions and increasing the risk of developing cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, dry eye syndrome, optic neuropathy, and other eye diseases.”
She emphasizes the connection between smoking and vision problems. She claims that smokers are more likely to develop eye diseases that can lead to early vision loss and cataracts. Harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can directly affect the eyes and contribute to the development and progression of these conditions.
Additionally, smokers are at increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of vision loss in older adults. Dr. Nita A Shah states that AMD affects the macula, which is responsible for central vision. Smoking can speed up the progression of AMD and increase the risk of severe vision loss. Smokers need to understand the impact of smoking on their vision health and take steps to quit smoking and preserve their vision.
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Perks of stop smoking
Dr. Shah explains that quitting smoking is the most effective way to reduce the risk of vision problems. It’s never too late to quit smoking, and the benefits extend far beyond eye health. Quitting smoking can improve overall health and significantly reduce the risk of various diseases.”
Categories: Lifestyle News
Source: vtt.edu.vn