Is It Time to Quit? What Smoking Is Doing to Your Eyes (and What You Can Do About It)
I’ve had a lot of tough conversations over the years as an optometrist — and this is one of them.
But it’s important. So here it goes:
If you're still smoking, your eyes are quietly paying the price.
I’m not saying this to guilt you. I’m saying it because I care about helping you keep your vision for the long haul — and smoking is one of the fastest ways to lose it.
Smoking Doesn’t Just Hurt Your Lungs. It Hurts Your Eyes Too.
You’ve probably heard that smoking can damage your heart, your lungs, and your skin — but few people realize just how hard it is on your vision.
Let’s break it down. Smoking increases your risk of:
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): the #1 cause of severe vision loss in adults over 50
Glaucoma: the “silent thief of sight” that slowly steals your vision
Cataracts: the clouding of your natural lens that often shows up years earlier in smokers
Dry Eye Syndrome: smoke messes with your tear film, leaving your eyes gritty, red, and uncomfortable
Optic Neuropathy: damaged blood supply to the optic nerve — the highway between your eye and brain
Vascular Eye Disease: because when your arteries harden, blood flow to your eyes slows down too
And here's the kicker: even people who only smoke occasionally aren’t in the clear. The eye is a vascular organ. That means anything that damages your blood vessels — like nicotine and tobacco — has a direct impact on how your eyes function and how long they stay healthy.
So… Is It Time?
If you’ve been thinking about cutting back — or quitting altogether — this might be your sign.
I’m not here to shame you. I’ve seen firsthand how hard quitting can be. But I’ve also seen what smoking does to eye health over time, and I’d be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you the truth.
Here’s what I offer: support, not judgment. Information, not pressure. And real solutions that actually help.
You're Not Alone: Get Connected with AlbertaQuits
With your permission, I can refer you directly to the AlbertaQuits Helpline — a free program offered through Alberta Health Services. You’ll be paired with a real person — a trained smoking cessation counsellor — who can walk with you through the process.
They’ll help you with:
Choosing the right quitting methods and aids
Managing withdrawal symptoms and cravings
Reducing stress without lighting up
Preventing weight gain
Getting back on track if you relapse (because sometimes that happens)
You don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to start.
A Final Word from Me
If you’re my patient, I’m always going to tell you the truth about your health — even when it’s uncomfortable. Because you deserve to know what’s happening in your body and what you can do about it.
If smoking is part of your life right now, this isn’t about shame. It’s about awareness. And it’s about deciding if now might be the right time to do something different.
Let’s talk about it at your next eye exam. Or, if you're ready now, visit AlbertaQuits.ca to learn more.
You’ve got options. And your future vision might just thank you for it.
Disclaimer: The content provided on this website, including blog posts authored by Dr. Ross McKenzie, is intended for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a licensed optometrist or healthcare provider. No doctor-patient relationship is established through the use of this website or its content. The information shared is not intended to endorse or recommend any specific medical treatments or guarantee outcomes. Users are encouraged to consult their own healthcare providers regarding any health concerns. The team at drrossmckenzie.ca does not assume liability for any decisions made based on the information provided. Use of this website is at your own risk.
Hey there, I’m
Dr. Ross McKenzie
I’m an Edmonton-based optometrist who believes clear vision is about more than just eyesight — it’s about seeing your life, your work, and your health with clarity.
I love smart tech, sharp lenses, and helping people show up fully in every part of their day — whether that’s behind a desk, behind the wheel, or on a ski hill.
My Mission? To bring real, honest eye care to real people — with a side of science, strategy, and style.
