Effects of Cigar Smoking in Glaucoma Patients

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Effects of Cigar Smoking in Glaucoma Patients

Question:

Does smoking cigars affect eye pressure in glaucoma patients?

Answer:

There is some debate about whether smoking raises pressure in the eye. But there is no debate about what glaucoma experts advise. People with glaucoma should not smoke cigars or cigarettes.

Most studies suggest that smoking raises eye pressure. Doctors call this intraocular pressure.

Within the eye there are two different fluids. In the back of the eye is a gel called vitreous humor. This gel doesn't change much from day to day.

The other fluid is called aqueous humor. It sits in a chamber in the front part of the eye. This fluid is watery and constantly being replenished. Intraocular pressure is determined by how much aqueous humor the eye produces and how much is reabsorbed. Normally, the eye keeps this in balance.

Smoking constricts blood vessels. In the eye, this constriction can lead to decreased absorption of the aqueous humor. This will cause a rise in intraocular pressure.

Even if there is no increase in eye pressure, the constriction of the blood vessels in an eye affected by glaucoma can cause a more rapid deterioration of eyesight.

In addition to glaucoma, smoking increases the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts.

Howard LeWine, M.D., is chief editor of Internet Publishing at Harvard Health Publications. He is recognized as an outstanding clinician and teacher and is a recipient of the Internal Medicine Teacher of the Year award at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Dr. LeWine continues to practice Internal Medicine; most recently he became a hospitalist after practicing primary care for over 20 years.

Last updated:	July 20, 2009