[Smoking and eye diseases].

Smoking represents a substantial risk factor for various eye diseases due to a variety of harmful mechanisms. Nicotine and other harmful substances in tobacco impair the microcirculation, promote oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. Studies have shown that nicotine abuse increases the risk of cataract development and has an unfavorable effect on the course of glaucoma. Other entities associated with smoking are age-related macular degeneration and ocular vascular occlusions. In addition, nicotine abuse exacerbates ocular surface disorders and has a substantial negative influence on the course of an endocrine orbitopathy. In summary, smoking is an important modifiable risk factor for numerous eye diseases and early prevention and smoking cessation can contribute to reducing these risks.