Smoking and Eye Damage
The chemicals in cigarette smoke (around 4000 of them) get into the bloodstream of smokers and may induce the damage to the eye.The chemicals in tobacco smoke can cause inflammation of the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the eye), resulting in bloodshot, irritated eyes.
In a study of nearly 21,000 U.S. male physicians, spanning an average of 13.6 years, researchers found a direct link between smoking and the development of cataracts. The study, known as Physicians Health Study I, evaluated physicians between the ages of 40 and 84 who had no prior history of cataracts before 1982. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires that included information such as: number of cigarettes smoked daily, age when they started smoking, and their age if they stopped smoking. Each participant received annual eye exams and were required to report the results to the study investigators. The participants' ophthalmologists and optometrists confirmed the results.
Smoking has also been linked to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. The causes of macular degeneration are not completely understood, but smoking is believed to be the main preventable risk factor. Evidence indicates that more than a quarter of all cases of AMD are linked to current or past exposure to smoking.
Study results appear mixed about a direct association between smoking and diabetic retinopathy, but most experts agree that smoking should be avoided to help help stop progression of the disease.
Smoking causes shrinkage or constriction of blood vessels, shown to be directly linked to rising inner eye pressure (intraocular pressure) that can lead to glaucoma and accompanying optic nerve damage.
Optic neuritis : A landmark study found a strong association between factors such as poor nutrition and smoking linked to a 1992-1993 epidemic of optic nerve damage among Cuban citizens. Although smoking is associated with several eye diseases, including nuclear cataract and thyroid eye disease, the most common cause of smoking related blindness is age related macular degeneration, which results in severe irreversible loss of central vision.
How does smoking damage the eyes?
When you inhale cigarette smoke thousands of chemicals get into your bloodstream and can travel throughout your body. These chemicals cause damage to the macula (the most sensitive part of the retina, at the back of your eye). Tiny blood vessels can burst through the macula, leading to irreversible damage, or alternatively, the cells of the macula slowly die. Both ultimately lead to loss of vision.
Can this damage be reversed?
No. Laser treatment can sometimes kill the new blood vessels before they hit the macula. However, most people are not able to be helped this way because the blood vessel has already involved the very centre of the macula, and even after treatment, the condition recurs in half the cases and in almost all those who continue to smoke. A new treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be able to help some to reduce the severity of vision loss, but the majority of people with macular degeneration will still not be able to be treated.
If I quit smoking will my eyes recover?
Your risk of macular degeneration will be reduced if you quit smoking, however existing damage to the eyes cannot be repaired, particularly once vision is affected.
In a study of nearly 21,000 U.S. male physicians, spanning an average of 13.6 years, researchers found a direct link between smoking and the development of cataracts. The study, known as Physicians Health Study I, evaluated physicians between the ages of 40 and 84 who had no prior history of cataracts before 1982. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires that included information such as: number of cigarettes smoked daily, age when they started smoking, and their age if they stopped smoking. Each participant received annual eye exams and were required to report the results to the study investigators. The participants' ophthalmologists and optometrists confirmed the results.
Smoking has also been linked to eye diseases such as age-related macular degeneration. The causes of macular degeneration are not completely understood, but smoking is believed to be the main preventable risk factor. Evidence indicates that more than a quarter of all cases of AMD are linked to current or past exposure to smoking.
Study results appear mixed about a direct association between smoking and diabetic retinopathy, but most experts agree that smoking should be avoided to help help stop progression of the disease.
Smoking causes shrinkage or constriction of blood vessels, shown to be directly linked to rising inner eye pressure (intraocular pressure) that can lead to glaucoma and accompanying optic nerve damage.
Optic neuritis : A landmark study found a strong association between factors such as poor nutrition and smoking linked to a 1992-1993 epidemic of optic nerve damage among Cuban citizens. Although smoking is associated with several eye diseases, including nuclear cataract and thyroid eye disease, the most common cause of smoking related blindness is age related macular degeneration, which results in severe irreversible loss of central vision.
How does smoking damage the eyes?
When you inhale cigarette smoke thousands of chemicals get into your bloodstream and can travel throughout your body. These chemicals cause damage to the macula (the most sensitive part of the retina, at the back of your eye). Tiny blood vessels can burst through the macula, leading to irreversible damage, or alternatively, the cells of the macula slowly die. Both ultimately lead to loss of vision.
Can this damage be reversed?
No. Laser treatment can sometimes kill the new blood vessels before they hit the macula. However, most people are not able to be helped this way because the blood vessel has already involved the very centre of the macula, and even after treatment, the condition recurs in half the cases and in almost all those who continue to smoke. A new treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT) may be able to help some to reduce the severity of vision loss, but the majority of people with macular degeneration will still not be able to be treated.
If I quit smoking will my eyes recover?
Your risk of macular degeneration will be reduced if you quit smoking, however existing damage to the eyes cannot be repaired, particularly once vision is affected.
By :
Namita Nayyar
Kindly click the contribution site: http://www.womenfitness.net/
Namita Nayyar
Kindly click the contribution site: http://www.womenfitness.net/
Womens Health : The Negative Effects of Tobacco on Women
Since the 60s, smoking women has continued to grow: the proportion of smokers rose from 10 to 22% in 40 years on the 15 million smokers in USA. The women smoke more and more and earlier. The first cigarette is usually taken between 14 and 16 years. Cigarette smoke passes from the lungs to the brain within 10 seconds, carrying so much faster than would intravenous injection of illicit drugs. Smoking cigarette send some 4 000 chemicals to the body.1. Tobacco and gynecological disorders :
Smoking decreases the secretion of estrogen. It may therefore be responsible for menstrual disorders with irregularities and pain. There is also often a change of tone of voice, which becomes hoarse, and an increase of hairs. Menopause occurs 1 to 2 years earlier than average among smokers. Hot flashes are more intense and the risk of osteoporosis is increased. Tobacco also promotes the development of precancerous lesions of the cervix.
2. Tobacco and skin :
Due to a lack of oxygenation of the skin, smokers are more often dull complexion and "clouded". The cellular exchanges have slowed and the waste is not eliminated. The skin loose his radiance and elasticity. Wrinkles appear prematurely, with 10 to 20 years ahead, especially at the lips. Smoking stimulates the production of free radicals that damage the elastin and collagen.
3. Tobacco and pill :
35% of women aged 20 to 44 years who take contraceptive smoke, increasing from 4 to 10 times the risk of cardiovascular problems. Combining a contraceptive with cigarettes is a major health hazard, especially past 35 years. Indeed, nicotine promotes deposition of fat in the blood vessels and damages arteries. The blood thickens and the risk of thrombosis, stroke and cerebral vascular accident (stroke) is accentuated. These evils are aggravated by contraceptives.
4. Smoking and Pregnancy :
Cigarette smoking decreases by 50% female fertility: thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm progression, lack of estrogen reduces the quality of the uterine wall and restricts blood flow necessary for the implantation of the egg. Smoking increases by 3 the risk of miscarriage, and by 2 ectopic pregnancies and premature births. There is also stunted fetus that is not well oxygenated. Its weight is generally lower than 200 g at birth. In addition, smokers lactating produce 25% less milk than non-smokers.
5. Tobacco and weight :
Smoking reduce the taste and smell. In addition, nicotine stimulates the nervous system that causes a cut-hunger, slows the storage of fat in adipocytes and artificially increases energy expenditure to 200 calories per day compared to non-smoker. The smokers have a weight lower than they would if they do not smoke (around 4 kg). So when you stop smoking, you just go back to your normal weight. No need to worry! However physical activity is still recommended to stabilize the weight. If you start to gain to much weight, try to eat better by cutting in the fat and salt.
It may be a good idea to consult a dietetist to help stabilize your weight while you stop smoking. Consulting a dietetist is a sure way to establish a healthy and balanced diet. Using dangerous product like laxative and purgative are dangerous and not the solution to long lasting weight loss!
Good luck!
Smoking decreases the secretion of estrogen. It may therefore be responsible for menstrual disorders with irregularities and pain. There is also often a change of tone of voice, which becomes hoarse, and an increase of hairs. Menopause occurs 1 to 2 years earlier than average among smokers. Hot flashes are more intense and the risk of osteoporosis is increased. Tobacco also promotes the development of precancerous lesions of the cervix.
2. Tobacco and skin :
Due to a lack of oxygenation of the skin, smokers are more often dull complexion and "clouded". The cellular exchanges have slowed and the waste is not eliminated. The skin loose his radiance and elasticity. Wrinkles appear prematurely, with 10 to 20 years ahead, especially at the lips. Smoking stimulates the production of free radicals that damage the elastin and collagen.
3. Tobacco and pill :
35% of women aged 20 to 44 years who take contraceptive smoke, increasing from 4 to 10 times the risk of cardiovascular problems. Combining a contraceptive with cigarettes is a major health hazard, especially past 35 years. Indeed, nicotine promotes deposition of fat in the blood vessels and damages arteries. The blood thickens and the risk of thrombosis, stroke and cerebral vascular accident (stroke) is accentuated. These evils are aggravated by contraceptives.
4. Smoking and Pregnancy :
Cigarette smoking decreases by 50% female fertility: thickens the cervical mucus, preventing sperm progression, lack of estrogen reduces the quality of the uterine wall and restricts blood flow necessary for the implantation of the egg. Smoking increases by 3 the risk of miscarriage, and by 2 ectopic pregnancies and premature births. There is also stunted fetus that is not well oxygenated. Its weight is generally lower than 200 g at birth. In addition, smokers lactating produce 25% less milk than non-smokers.
5. Tobacco and weight :
Smoking reduce the taste and smell. In addition, nicotine stimulates the nervous system that causes a cut-hunger, slows the storage of fat in adipocytes and artificially increases energy expenditure to 200 calories per day compared to non-smoker. The smokers have a weight lower than they would if they do not smoke (around 4 kg). So when you stop smoking, you just go back to your normal weight. No need to worry! However physical activity is still recommended to stabilize the weight. If you start to gain to much weight, try to eat better by cutting in the fat and salt.
It may be a good idea to consult a dietetist to help stabilize your weight while you stop smoking. Consulting a dietetist is a sure way to establish a healthy and balanced diet. Using dangerous product like laxative and purgative are dangerous and not the solution to long lasting weight loss!
Good luck!
About the Author :
Florida Abortions Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Medical Abortions, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services. Orlando Women's Center. Second, And Late Term Abortions Clinic.
Florida Abortions Clinic. Dr. James S. Pendergraft opened the Orlando Women's Center in March 1996 to provide a full range of health care for women, including Medical Abortions, physical examinations, family planning, counseling, laboratory services. Orlando Women's Center. Second, And Late Term Abortions Clinic.
Effects of Smoking
There is a lot of talk about the health hazards of smoking. But for all the talk out there, it isn't always easy to find details. So what exactly are the effects of smoking? And what causes them?
The effects of smoking vary dramatically, depending on whether a smoker prefers cigarettes or cigars.
1. Effects of Smoking Cigarettes :
The effects of smoking cigarettes are the most well known effects of smoking, partly because cigarettes are the most popular form of tobacco, and partly because of the horrifying diseases that can result.
2. Effects of Smoking on the Lungs :
Damage to the lungs is caused primarily by cigarette smoke. Cigar smoke is not supposed to be inhaled, and so should not reach the lungs. Cigarette smoke contains tar. That tar gets into the lungs and clogs the alveoli, the tiny pockets in the lungs that take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. This is what causes the immediate effects of difficulty in breathing and coughing. Over time, the tar can cause further damage to the lung tissue, causing cancer, emphysema, or other fatal illness.
3. Effects of Smoking on the Heart and Circulatory System :
Damage to the heart is a secondary effect of smoking. This means that smoking does not damage the heart directly, but that another effect of smoking causes damage to the heart: specifically, the damage to the lungs. When the alveoli are blocked by tar, and oxygen can't enter the blood freely, the heart needs to work harder to get enough oxygen throughout the body. It is very similar to the damage causes by high cholesterol, except that high cholesterol forms a physical barrier in the blood vessels, where the tar causes a block in the oxygen supply. Additionally, because the heart needs to work harder, the body's blood pressure increases. As you can see, damaging effects of smoking are something like falling dominoes. Each bit of damage causes a new problem.
4. Effects of Smoking Cigars :
Because cigar smokers don't inhale the smoke, they are not in danger of lung cancer and heart disease that affects smokers of cigarettes. Instead, effects of smoking cigars are mostly strongly felt in the mouth and throat. The effects of smoking cigars aren't as newsworthy as those of cigarettes, but they aren't any nicer.
5. Effects of Smoking on the Mouth and Nose :
The earliest effects of smoking on the mouth and nose are the destruction of the glands that taste and smell. The image of the cigar smoker relaxing at home with a port after dinner is flawed, because after several years of smoking, he won't be able to tell a good port from a bad one. The long term effects of smoking include cancer of the mouth and gums. While not as publicized as lung cancer, and not necessarily as deadly (if caught early) cancer of the mouth and gums is nothing to be taken lightly. While losing teeth is an accepted risk of old age, losing whole sections of jaw or tongue or needing to breathe through a hole in the throat for the rest of your life is nothing that anyone wants to contemplate.
6. Effects of Smoking on the Throat :
The delightfully scratchy voices of several classic jazz and blues singers can be directly attributed to their penchant for cigars. And what sounds great on an old recording, backed by a great sax, won't sound quite so good coming out of your own throat. And even folks who don't mind having their voice go scratchy will probably object to losing their voice all together. Cancer of the throat frequently results in loss of the voice box. The wonders of modern technology have allowed for mechanical replacements, so at least smokers are no longer mute for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, those mechanical replacements tend to sound like a kids toy robot with laryngitis.
Obviously, there is a lot more to all of these effects of smoking, and others besides, than can easily be included here. Take the time to educate yourself beyond the media blurbs. You'll be glad you did.
The effects of smoking vary dramatically, depending on whether a smoker prefers cigarettes or cigars.
1. Effects of Smoking Cigarettes :
The effects of smoking cigarettes are the most well known effects of smoking, partly because cigarettes are the most popular form of tobacco, and partly because of the horrifying diseases that can result.
2. Effects of Smoking on the Lungs :
Damage to the lungs is caused primarily by cigarette smoke. Cigar smoke is not supposed to be inhaled, and so should not reach the lungs. Cigarette smoke contains tar. That tar gets into the lungs and clogs the alveoli, the tiny pockets in the lungs that take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. This is what causes the immediate effects of difficulty in breathing and coughing. Over time, the tar can cause further damage to the lung tissue, causing cancer, emphysema, or other fatal illness.
3. Effects of Smoking on the Heart and Circulatory System :
Damage to the heart is a secondary effect of smoking. This means that smoking does not damage the heart directly, but that another effect of smoking causes damage to the heart: specifically, the damage to the lungs. When the alveoli are blocked by tar, and oxygen can't enter the blood freely, the heart needs to work harder to get enough oxygen throughout the body. It is very similar to the damage causes by high cholesterol, except that high cholesterol forms a physical barrier in the blood vessels, where the tar causes a block in the oxygen supply. Additionally, because the heart needs to work harder, the body's blood pressure increases. As you can see, damaging effects of smoking are something like falling dominoes. Each bit of damage causes a new problem.
4. Effects of Smoking Cigars :
Because cigar smokers don't inhale the smoke, they are not in danger of lung cancer and heart disease that affects smokers of cigarettes. Instead, effects of smoking cigars are mostly strongly felt in the mouth and throat. The effects of smoking cigars aren't as newsworthy as those of cigarettes, but they aren't any nicer.
5. Effects of Smoking on the Mouth and Nose :
The earliest effects of smoking on the mouth and nose are the destruction of the glands that taste and smell. The image of the cigar smoker relaxing at home with a port after dinner is flawed, because after several years of smoking, he won't be able to tell a good port from a bad one. The long term effects of smoking include cancer of the mouth and gums. While not as publicized as lung cancer, and not necessarily as deadly (if caught early) cancer of the mouth and gums is nothing to be taken lightly. While losing teeth is an accepted risk of old age, losing whole sections of jaw or tongue or needing to breathe through a hole in the throat for the rest of your life is nothing that anyone wants to contemplate.
6. Effects of Smoking on the Throat :
The delightfully scratchy voices of several classic jazz and blues singers can be directly attributed to their penchant for cigars. And what sounds great on an old recording, backed by a great sax, won't sound quite so good coming out of your own throat. And even folks who don't mind having their voice go scratchy will probably object to losing their voice all together. Cancer of the throat frequently results in loss of the voice box. The wonders of modern technology have allowed for mechanical replacements, so at least smokers are no longer mute for the rest of their lives. Unfortunately, those mechanical replacements tend to sound like a kids toy robot with laryngitis.
Obviously, there is a lot more to all of these effects of smoking, and others besides, than can easily be included here. Take the time to educate yourself beyond the media blurbs. You'll be glad you did.
by Wayne Cooper
Claim Your Complimentary Stop Smoking Preview here and Receive Hints & Tips to Help You Stop Smoking. http://www.secretstostopsmoking.com/ar101.html Get Your Copy Now. Visit The Website Today. Main website http://www.secretstostopsmoking.com
Claim Your Complimentary Stop Smoking Preview here and Receive Hints & Tips to Help You Stop Smoking. http://www.secretstostopsmoking.com/ar101.html Get Your Copy Now. Visit The Website Today. Main website http://www.secretstostopsmoking.com
Posts
