Feature

Smoking Doubles Risk of Vision Loss

New research indicates smoking doubles the risk of multiple sight-threatening conditions

May 15, 2026
3 min

The Ophthalmologist

1

Smoking significantly raises risks for cataracts and glaucoma.
2

Study analyzed over 12 million patients.
3

Tobacco exposure leads to oxidative stress and inflammation.
4

Increased cataract risk: smokers (9.5%) vs non-smokers (5.4%).
5

Glaucoma risk notably higher in smokers.
6

Incorporating smoking history into patient assessments can help.
7

Study suggests a lack of discussion on smoking’s ocular effects in clinical settings.
8

Important to utilize data for counseling on cessation.

Original Source(s)

The Ophthalmologist

Smoking Doubles Risk of Vision Loss

May 15, 2026

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