Effect of Awareness among Smokers and Effect of Smoking on Tear Film in Central India

Introduction: In this study, we studied ocular morbidity among smokers in central India, awareness regarding ocular side effect among smoker and effect of awareness about smoking among smokers. Study was conducted with aim: To study effect of smoking on tear film among smokers in Central India, To study awareness regarding health related problems effect among smokers, To study effect of awareness about smoking among smokers. Methods: Patient attending ophthalmology OPD with history of smoking cigarettes every day or more than 4 days per week, number of cigarettes – 4 or more per day, duration of smoking - more than 6 months were included in the study. Patients were asked about the complaints and were given questionnaire to see awareness regarding ocular side. Patients were followed in eye OPD with their relative for 6 months to see effect of awareness about smoking among smokers. Results: The most common symptom found was irritation of eyes seen in 48%, followed by blurring of vision 16%, burning sensation 15%, and itching 6%. Most number of patients had cataract 64% followed by Dry eye 55%, ARMD (Age Related Macular Degeneration) 19%, Glaucoma 9% and Graves's ophthalmopathy 1.7%. Only 12 % of subjects were aware of the association between blindness and smoking, the lowest among the six conditions included in the survey. Conclusion: The awareness of the risk of blindness from smoking is low amongst smokers. Public eye health campaigns viz advertisement, health camp is an important mean of spreading message to smokers to quit smoking.