Ocular surface problems among smokers and non-smokers

Abstract

PURPOSE: To assess the ocular surface problems in smokers and non-smokers.

METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional survey including 224 participants above 18 years of age was conducted at College of Ophthalmology & Allied Vision Sciences from September to December 2020. Participants were divided into two groups, smokers and non-smokers. Data was collected online by self-designed questionnaire related to ocular surface issues.

RESULTS: Total 224 participants, above 18 years of age including 112 smokers and 112 non-smokers. Most smokers were having problems in their eyes. 60.71% smokers and 26.7% non-smokers experienced redness in eyes. 53.57% smokers and 26.78% non-smokers had dryness in eyes. 26.78% smokers and 20.53% non-smokers got puffy eyes. 87.5% smokers and 33.92% non-smokers felt like having something in eyes. 53.57% smokers and 26.78% smokers had visual fatigued. 74.10% smokers and 33.92% non-smokers reported temporary blurriness in eyes. 40.17% smokers and 20.53% non-smokers sometimes got distorted vision. 47.32% smokers and 26% non-smokers had sensitivity to strong lights. 60.71% smokers and 13.39% non-smokers had difficulty whiling moving around or driving at night. 66.96% smokers and 20.53% non-smokers experienced accumulation white mucus around eyes. 47.32% smokers and 40.17% non-smokers blinked 12-18 times per minute. Data was entered and analyzed by utilizing SPSS.

CONCLUSION: Most smokers were having problems in their eyes. As compared to non-smokers they experienced more redness, dryness of eyes, puffy eyes, temporary blurriness, and fatigued eyes. Smokers had difficulty while driving at night, distorted vision while examining objects in their external environment.

KEY WORDS: ocular, surface disorder, dry eye syndrome, allergic, smoke