Recent scientific research has shown that smokers are 16 times more likely than nonsmokers to develop optic neuropathy.
just the facts
Recent scientific research has shown that smokers are 16 times more likely than nonsmokers to develop optic neuropathy.
In one group of patients, the smokers developed the disease at an average age of 52, while nonsmokers didn't get it until an average age of 64.
definition
Optic neuropathy is an eye disease that results in a sudden, painless loss of vision, often leading to permanent blindness. It occurs because of a loss of blood flow in certain arteries that supply blood to the eyes. Clogging of the arteries -- what doctors call atherosclerosis -- may play a role in causing this disease.
explanation
As explained in the atherosclerosis page, smoking is bad for your arteries, and it worsens atherosclerosis. That's true in the eyes, as well as in the heart, brain, and other parts of your body. So it isn't surprising that smoking is linked to optic neuropathy. But you may be surprised at just how strongly smoking can affect your chances of getting this disease.
Recent scientific research has shown that smokers are 16 times more likely than nonsmokers to develop optic neuropathy. They also tend to get it at younger ages than nonsmokers do. In one group of patients, the smokers developed the disease at an average age of 52, while nonsmokers didn't get it until an average age of 64.
