Resolution #1: How “Kicking Butts” Improves Your Eye’s Health – and Appearance

We’re a couple weeks into the new year, and while that often means those New Year’s resolutions are about 13 days forgotten, we’re hoping you’re sticking to those goals that are most critical to your health – and more to the point, to the health of your eyes. One resolution Americans make – and let’s be honest, break – every year is the resolution to quit smoking. Of course there are myriad reasons your body, mind, and even wallet will rejoice when you finally kick the habit, we’re here to offer you yet another reason to say so long to cigs for good. Smoking doesn’t just increase your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, obesity… the list goes on. It also can have detrimental and even devastating effects on the health of your eyes – and their appearance.

Cataracts

If there’s one eye condition that affects both your vision and your appearance, it’s cataracts. Cataracts are the clouding of the eye’s natural lens and are known by their milky, cloudy – and let’s be honest – unsightly appearance. The hard truth of the matter is that about half of adults will have a cataract or have had surgery to remove one by the time they’re 80 years old.

That said, if you’re a smoker, you’re actually significantly increasing your risk of developing cataracts. Studies actually show that by smoking, you’re actually doubling your chances of forming cataracts, with that risk increasing the more your smoke. If you’re already suffering from cataracts, you need not be. Give us a call to talk about cataract surgery, which can help you see – and look – better immediately. In the meantime, do those cataracts (and future cataracts) a favor and snub out that cigarette.

Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. This condition affects the center of the retina, which performs critical functions including allowing you the sharp, central vision you need to complete daily tasks like driving, enjoying physical activity and other hobbies and activities.

While everyone is at risk for age-related macular degeneration, if you smoke, you’re tripling your risk of developing the condition. In particular, female smokers over age 80 are actually nearly six times as likely to develop Age-related macular degeneration than non-smokers the same age. If you smoke, obviously you’re already at an increased risk of macular degeneration. But take heart, regardless of your age, you can improve your odds by quitting smoking (like, now).

Diabetic Retinopathy

It’s no secret that diabetes can have catastrophic effects on your eyes. In particular, diabetic retinopathy damages your vision by destroying blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision loss and even blindness. The number of Americans suffering from diabetic retinopathy is increasing dramatically year to year, and smoking is making those numbers even worse. Think about this: if you smoke, you’re actually doubling your risk of developing diabetes, which in turn increases your risk of developing diabetic retinopathy. Naturally, retinopathy is not the only complication of diabetes, so smoking is also increasing your risk of myriad other conditions and diseases. Your best defense? Quit now.

Dry eyes

Got dry eyes? You might want to blame those Marlboros on your coffee table. Dry eyes, which aren’t only painful and itchy, also make a big, negative impact on your appearance. And unless red, swollen eyes ever come into style, we’re guessing you’d see this as a big negative. If your dry eyes are driving you crazy – and ruining your look – throwing the cigarettes out is your first method of defense.

Fine lines, wrinkles

It’s always said that the eyes are the window to the soul. They also can be big tattle tales where your age is concerned. In fact, fine lines and wrinkles might be making you look older than you are – particularly if you’re a smoker. When you smoke, you’re not only drying out your skin but also stunting the production of collagen, which keeps your skin looking younger, plumper and smoother. There’s a reason you can spot a smoker at 20 paces – it shows on your face.

Ready to kick the butts for good? What’s your biggest motivation to stop smoking?