Smoking and Dry Eye

Did you know that smoking can increase your risk of developing dry eyes?

Smoking is harmful because cigarettes can damage our bodies and increase our risk of health conditions.[1]

The eyes are no exception to the damage caused, and you might have noticed that cigarette smoke can make your eyes itch or burn.[2]

For sufferers of Dry Eye Disease, this reaction can be even worse. In fact, there are a number of scientific studies which have concluded that smoking could increase the risk of Dry Eyes.[3]

 

What is Dry Eye?

Dry Eye Disease is a common eye condition that causes the ocular surface to become dry and irritated, either due to an increase in tear evaporation, or a decrease in tear production. It affects one in four people in the UK alone and can be caused by multiple factors.[4] Smoking is one of these risk factors, which we’ll discuss further later on in this blog.

 

What are the symptoms of eye dryness?

There are many different symptoms of Dry Eye which can include itchy, sore, gritty, blurry, red or light sensitive eyes, to name a few.[5] Eye dryness can be uncomfortable and impact the well-being of people who suffer from the condition. Therefore, it’s important to learn what the main causes are, so you can find a treatment option that works.

 

What is the main cause of Dry Eye?

As we’ve mentioned previously, there are a number of different factors associated with Dry Eye Syndrome. However, the condition is ultimately triggered if your eyes don’t make enough tears or if your tears dry up quickly.[5] Some of the factors that could increase your likelihood of developing dry eyes are:

• Being 50 or over
• Wearing contact lenses
• Looking at computer screens for too long without regular breaks
• Central heating or air conditioning
• Cold, windy, dry or dusty weather
• Smoking or drinking alcohol [5]

For more information about Dry Eye Syndrome and how it’s causes, our explanatory blog can help. You can read this here: Everything You Need to Know About Dry Eye

 

Why smoking aggravates Dry Eye

When we blink, the glands in our eyelids coat the ocular surface with a layer of tears. This protects them from dust, debris and drying out. The many harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke can break down this layer, leading to insufficient tears, causing the eye’s surface to become dry and irritated. Smoking can even change the composition of your tears over time, which can lead to further Dry Eye symptoms.[6]

In addition, the harmful metals found in cigarettes can not only cause damage to the ocular surface, but can also severely affect the blood vessels that supply it with much-needed nutrients.[7]

 

Can vaping cause Dry Eye?

Vaping is something that’s become more popular in recent years. It’s often seen as a safer alternative as it doesn’t contain any tobacco products. However, the vape liquid is full of other chemicals which can be just as harmful. The vapour itself is an eye irritant, which can cause inflammation in the eye tissue and ocular surface, along with the disruption of tear production. Over time, this can lead to Dry Eye Syndrome.

 

 

What does long-term smoking do to the eyes?

As we’ve previously mentioned, smoking long term can lead to Dry Eye Syndrome, but it can also cause other eye-related conditions. One of these is Macular Degeneration which is an eye disease that affects your central vision. Another is cataracts, a condition which eventually can lead to loss of eyesight.[8]

 

Can eye damage from smoking be reversed?

There is currently no way to reverse the damage to your eyes from smoking. However, by reducing the amount you smoke or quitting altogether, you can significantly reduce the risk to your eyes.[9] Other healthy habits that can improve your symptoms consist of eating a vitamin-rich diet and protecting your eyes with wraparound glasses in harsh weather.

For more lifestyle tips to help Dry Eye, read our blog: 6 Lifestyle Tips to Help with Dry Eye

 

How do you stop dry eyes from smoking?

Ultimately, if you are experiencing symptoms of Dry Eye Disease due to smoking, the most effective solution would be to consider significantly reducing consumption or quitting. Using our eye drops and specialist eye gels can help to eliminate discomfort and ease symptoms as well. You can browse these here: Eye Drops for Dry Eyes

For advice about quitting smoking, and other smoking-related health concerns, please visit the NHS website here: NHS Stop Smoking Services

 

How can I help ease symptoms of Dry Eye?

Smoking is just one potential factor that can cause or worsen symptoms of Dry Eye Disease and we recommend that you seek the advice of a medical professional to better understand your condition. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are a variety of treatment options, from ocular lubricants, to daily lifestyle changes that you could begin to implement.

 

 

3-step treatment plan

A 3 step treatment plan can help to effectively manage your Dry Eye, and avoid painful flare-ups.

Step 1: Apply a heated compress, such as MeiboPatch®, to unblock your meibomian glands and relieve your eyes.[10]

Step 2: Cleanse and wipe away the melted oil blocking your glands, as well as any built-up debris with a cleanser like Naviblef ®, which is specially designed to reduce discomfort.[11]

Step 3: Incorporate an effective eye drop into your daily routine, such as VisuXL® Gel. A single drop provides 12 hours of protection, so one application during the day is enough. Apply it when you wake up and just before you head off to sleep.[12]

For more information on the 3-step treatment plan, visit our blog: 3-Step Treatment Plan

Remember, if you’re struggling with Dry Eye Disease, or worried about smoking-related conditions, please talk to your GP.

Alcohol can also cause dry eyes. Read more here: Dry Eye and Alcohol

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

References

1. NHS UK , ‘What are the health risks of smoking?’, 16/09/22. Accessed February 2022.
2. Dr Aizman Empire Retina Consultants, ‘The Effects that Smoke Can Have on Your Eyes’. Accessed May 2023.
3. Li Xu, Wei Zhang, Xiao-Yu Zhu, Tao Suo, Xian-Qun Fan, and Yao Fu, ‘Smoking and the Risk of Dry Eye: a Meta-Analysis’, Int J Ophthalmol. 2016; 9(10): 1480–1486. Accessed February 2022.
4. Garty, David, ‘Why Are My Eyes so Scratchy and Dry?’, The Wimpole Eye Clinic. Accessed Feb 2022.
5. NHS UK, ‘Dry Eyes’, 06/12/21. Accessed February 2022.
6. Morgan Griffin, R. ‘Smoking and Dry Eye’, WebMD, 05/05/21. Accessed May 2023.
7. Optical Express, ‘The Shocking Effects Smoking Has On Eyes’, 16/07/20. Accessed February 2022.
8. Macular Society, ‘Smoking and sight loss’. Accessed April 2023.
9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 05/05/22 ‘Vision Loss, Blindness, and Smoking’, 05/05/22. Accessed April 2023.
10. MeiboPatch® Instructions for Use (IFU). Accessed May 2023.
11. Naviblef® Instructions for Use (IFU). Accessed May 2023.
12. VisuXL® Instructions for Use (IFU). Accessed May 2023.

6 Lifestyle Tips to Help Dry Eye

The COVID19 pandemic has encouraged people all over the world to reconsider the importance of health and wellbeing in their day-to-day lives. But did you know healthy eating and positive lifestyle choices can also be great for improving your eye health? 

 

Patients suffering from Dry Eye often look first towards eye drops to alleviate their symptoms. Whilst artificial tears and other medication is an essential part of many people’s journey towards managing their condition, there are also many lifestyle choices that you can make to ease symptoms of Dry Eye.

 

FAQs About Your Lifestyle and Dry Eye

 

What aggravates Dry Eye?

External factors may aggravate Dry Eye symptoms, including conditions common in many workplaces such as prolonged computer use and exposure to air conditioning, heating, dust and allergens.[1]

 

Does drinking water help dry eyes?

Rehydrating with plenty of water can help your Dry Eye. If you are dehydrated, the body’s reaction is to preserve the fluid still left in your body by conserving water. This can cause a lack of tear production, which can cause your eyes to feel more dry.[2]

 

What should I avoid if I have Dry Eye?

• Avoid air conditioning blowing directly in your eyes
• Add moisture to the air with a humidifier
• Consider wearing wraparound sunglasses or other protective eyewear
• Take eye breaks during long tasks
• Be aware of your environment
• Position your computer screen below eye level
• Stop smoking and avoid smoky areas
• Use artificial tears regularly

[3]

 

Is Dry Eye worse at night?

Dry Eye symptoms can become worse at night. This could be due to fatigue from using your eyes all day, changes in your metabolism at night, and certain medical conditions.[4]

 

Does wearing sunglasses help with Dry Eye?

Wearing sunglasses can protect your eyes from elements like wind, sun and dust. Therefore your eyes are better protected and less likely to become irritated and dry. Wrap around sunglasses offer the best protection for your eyes as they cover a larger area.[5]

 

Here are 7 lifestyle changes that are easy to implement and can help keep your eyes healthy and hydrated.

 

Food 

It might seem obvious that eating healthily can help your body absorb vitamins, but it can be useful to know which foods to prioritise to ease a chronic condition. Some foods that are good for Dry Eye include: 

 

• Fish such as salmon, tuna and mackerel which are all rich in omega 3.

 

• Leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli and brussel sprouts that are packed full of antioxidants 

 

• Fruit and veg like oranges, sweet potatoes and carrots that contain vitamins A, C and E.[6]

 

• Seeds and nuts like chia seeds, flax seeds, walnuts and almonds are packed with vitamins 

 

[7]

 

Drinking less alcohol

Alcohol and dry eyes go hand in hand. Consuming lots of alcohol can have a negative effect on your eyes, as it dehydrates the eyes and therefore makes it harder to produce tears.[8] It can even make it more difficult for your body to absorb vitamins and have a healthy digestion, which can also affect your eye health.[9]

 

Therefore cutting down your alcohol intake can help ease your Dry Eye symptoms. Even simply consuming alcohol on weekends only can help!

 

Cutting down on screen time

We’ve all felt the urge to rub our eyes after staring at a screen for too long. Well, this is because when looking at screens, we blink less often, which dries out our eyes.[10] Lots of computer use and looking at digital screens affect how quickly our tears evaporate.

 

The main reason for increased evaporation is that we blink far less frequently when looking at screens, compared to other daily activities. In fact, studies have shown that we blink 66% less when using a computer compared to other activities!

 

Reducing the amount you look at screens would be the first thing to try, but if you need to use screens for work or in your personal life, the 20,20,20 method for screen use is great to protect your eyes. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds![11]

 

Vitamin supplements 

If you are suffering from chronic Dry Eye, or even mild Dry Eye, you should always consult your GP before changing your diet or starting any new treatment. But if you are struggling to obtain the nutrients you need to protect your eyes in your diet, then food supplements can sometimes be a good option. COQUN® OS capsules enhances the body’s absorption of CoQ10 through the modified timed release of the active ingredient, an antioxidant that protects against stress and inflammation in the eyes. 

 

Coenzyme Q10 not only strengthens eye health, but can also boost full body health for people over 60 whose natural levels begin to deplete, as it provides cells with maximum energy and protection throughout the whole body.[12]

 

Drinking more water

Like the rest of the body, eyes become dry when dehydrated. So, drinking enough water can help to keep them hydrated and help to ease Dry Eye symptoms. Experts recommend drinking between 8 and 10 glasses of water a day if you suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome.[13]

 

Getting enough sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is good for your health full stop. In fact, many health conditions can be exacerbated by not getting enough rest. Symptoms of Dry Eye can even be worse at night due to the eyes having been open all day and receiving less nutrients at night. If you suffer from Blepharitis or Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, cleansing your eyes at night with a cleanser like Naviblef®, or using a warming device like Meibopatch® are both great ways to make sure your symptoms don’t flare up at night.

 

Humidifier 

Whether it’s in your bedroom, home office or living room, a humidifier for your dry eyes can really help. It adds moisture to the air, which protects your tear film and makes sure the eyes don’t become as dry. You can find humidifiers from many places for a relatively low cost, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a simple home remedy to try. 

Overall, it’s best to have a treatment plan which encompasses medication like VisuXL® eye drops, as well as healthy lifestyle choices, to maximise the chance of reducing Dry Eye symptoms and maintaining a great quality of life. 

 

In most cases, the best way to treat dry eyes, Also known as dry eye syndrome, is to use eye gel or eye drops.

VisuXL Gel^® is a preservative-free smart gel lubricant for dry eye syndrome. It provides comfort in a bottle with it’s long-lasting lubrication properties giving 12-hour dosing with just one drop and is suitable for both day and night use.

VisuXL^® is a preservative-free eye drop lubricant for dry eye syndrome. Due to its unique ingredients, VisuXL^® will help you recover from eye surgery, an injury or persistent damaging dry eye.

VisuEvo^® is a preservative-free eye drop that prevents excessive evaporation of the tear film. Its unique formula contains omega-3 essential fatty acids, Vitamins A and D and ultra-filtered phospholipids that facilitate tear film presentation and control evaporation.

All three products are contact lens-friendly and can be used for 180 days after opening.

Shop now

 

For more top tips about daily routines to follow if you suffer from Dry Eye, why not follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

 

References

1. Latkany, A.Robert. ‘Chronic Dry Eye’, HealthyWoman, Accessed July 2022.
2. Essilor News, ‘Dehydrated? How not drinking enough water impacts your eyes’, Accessed July 2022
3. Mayo Clinc, ‘Dry eyes’, Accessed July 2022.
4. Access Eye, ‘Keeping Dry Eye Symptoms Under Control At Night’, Accessed July 2022.
5. Slater, Marcus. ‘Why Sunglasses Will Help Keep Eyes Healthy Over Winter’, 20/11/21, Accessed July 2022.
6. Vimont, Ceila. ‘36 Fabulous Foods to Boost Eye Health’, American Academy of Ophthalmology, Jan 2020, Accessed September 2021
7. Dry Eye And Me, ‘8 Foods to Eat If You Have Dry Eye’, Accessed July 2022<br />
8. You, Young-Sheng, Qu, Nai-Bin, Yu, Xiao-Ning, ‘Alcohol consumption and dry eye syndrome: a Meta-analysis’, International Journey of Opthamology, 2016; 9(10): 1487–1492. Accessed December 2021
9. Selina Pfitscher, ‘The Effects of Alcohol on Your Vision’, Lenstore Vision Hub, 13/02/21, Accessed Dec 2021
10. Wheeler, Regina Boyle. ‘Dry Eye and Screen Use’, WebMD, 21/06/21, Accessed Oct 2021
11. Marcin, Ashley, ‘How Does the 20-20-20 Rule Prevent Eye Strain?’, Healthline, Accessed July 2022
12. Coqun OS Instructions for Use (IFU)
13. Complete Eye Care, ‘How Does Hydration Affect My Eyes’, Accessed Sep 2021