CPD: The ocular impacts of smoking and vaping
Optometrists can support patients in quitting smoking and vaping by educating them about the associated eye health risks and connecting them with cessation resources.Summary
This article highlights the significant impact of smoking and vaping on eye health and emphasizes the role optometrists can play in supporting patients' cessation journeys. Smoking remains a leading cause of preventable disease, and while many smokers want to quit, they often need support from healthcare professionals. The increasing prevalence of vaping, despite recent legislative changes, presents new public health concerns, with emerging evidence suggesting potential harm to the ocular surface. The article details how smoking increases the risk of conditions like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, and dry eye disease, while vaping may lead to tear film instability and potential corneal damage. It stresses the importance of brief advice, utilizing the 'Ask, Advise, Help' model, and referring patients to resources like Quitline and pharmacotherapy options. Addressing nicotine dependence is also crucial, and the article notes that even brief interventions can motivate patients, particularly within vulnerable populations like Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those with mental health conditions.
(Source：Google News)
