Nicotine & the Eye

Question 1

What ocular diseases are increased risk with smoking?

Answer 1

Cataracts, Dry eye, Uveitis, Corneal damage
Glaucoma
DR
AMD
Inflammation (lids)
Pupil constriction
Graces ophthalmopathy

Question 2

What are the physiological effects of nicotine on ant.seg surface disorders?

Answer 2

Increased TBUT
Lipid layer change
Less basal tears/lysozyme conc. in tears
Less corneal/conj. sensitivity

Question 3

How does smoking affect cataracts?

Answer 3

ROS causes oxidative damage to lens
Not enough free radical enzymes

Question 4

How does nicotine affect glaucoma?

Answer 4

Vasoconstriction reduces aq outflow causing oxidative stress in trabecular meshwork/RGCs which can alter IOP

Question 5

How does nicotine affect DR?

Answer 5

Increased risk of DR due to tissue hypoxia (angiogenesis) and increased BP/Blood sugar

Question 6

Explain how nicotine affects AMD

Answer 6

Oxidative damage/increased NV
New BVs are more fragile and leak leading to RetDet and macula scarring

Question 7

What are the growth factors in angiogenesis?

Answer 7

bFGF
VEGF-A
PDGF
Hepatocyte GF
TGF

Question 8

Explain Graves opthamopathy

Answer 8

Smoking decreases tissue O2 behind eye increasing inflammation/changes BV

Produces glycosaminoglycans and increases adipogenesis