Smoking As a Risk Factor for the Development of Presbyopia: A Cross-Sectional study in Gujarat state in India

Abstract

Background: Presbyopia is a natural phenomenon of the aging process of the eye which is physiologically featured by the hardening of the lens and weakening of the ciliary muscles that resulted in the difficulty accommodation for near vision. There are several sociographic factors that facilitate this process and bring this at the early age. Objective: This study aimed to determine prevalence of presbyopia in the smokers as compared to normal patients in north Indian cohort. Methods: This is a comparative cross-sectional study carried out in between June 2018 and May 2020. Out of 1170 patients visited to ophthalmic out-patient department OPD have grouped into group 1 (n-220, Smoking) and group 2 (n=220, Non-smoking). Optometric and ophthalmologic examinations were performed on all participants. Presbyopic correction coverage were calculated, and the results were analysed. Results: Presbyopia was observed earlier in smoking group than non-smoking group. onset of presbyopia in smoker group was significantly higher (p<0.01) in all age class as compared to non-smoker group. Patients wearing glasses for near task were higher among the smoking group within each age class. Significant differences in the age of onset and earlier progression of presbyopia were detected between smoking and non-smoking patients (p<0.01). There was significant correlation between onset of presbyopia and onset of addiction to cigarette (P<0.05). Conclusion: Smoking population is more vulnerable for developing presbyopia. In addition, smoking patients catch presbyopia at earlier ages than non-smoking patients. This highlights on controlling smoking habits to avoid future development of eye-related disorders.