Glaucoma and Smoking

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve, causing vision loss and blindness. Smoking has been identified as a risk factor of glaucoma, with studies suggesting that long term smokers are more likely to develop this eye condition. Smoking can also make existing glaucoma worse by decreasing blood flow to the optic nerve, making it more vulnerable to damage. This can further increase the risk of vision loss, so it is important for people with glaucoma to quit smoking.