Review on smoking and its association with ocular dryness disorder

Abstract

Background: The tear film acts as the primary protective barrier of the eye, ensuring its proper hydration and nutrition. This thin layer, composed of water, lipids, and proteins, can be compromised by various factors, among which is smoking. This is a frequently debated element in relation to the development of dry eye disorder and its associated complications. Objective: Examine the connection between smoking and dry eye disorder in the general population, supported by multiple scientific studies. Methods: Ten relevant articles were examined that address ocular dryness disorder, its causes, assessment methods, and treatment options, all linked to smoking, in order to find evidence supporting the proposed hypothesis. Results: The studies that compared exposure to cigarette smoke with those that were not exposed showed that there were no significant changes in the tear film or in its break-up time. However, the studies that focused on anatomical, physiological, and histological-ophthalmological changes related to smoking habits, as well as reported symptoms, evidenced alterations following tobacco use. Conclusions: Smoking represents a significant public health problem that causes various anomalies in the body, including lung, neurological, and ophthalmological damage. The literature review indicates that direct exposure to smoke does not cause significant changes; however, nicotine and other components of cigarettes are indeed harmful to eye health