Scientists say smokers are in danger of eye damage. Smokers are two times more likely to get eye damage than non-smokers. Not many people know smoking damages the eyes. An eye group called AOP started a campaign to tell people that smoking damages the eyes. Its campaign is called "Stub it out". The word "stub" means put out a cigarette; "stub it out" is saying, "stop smoking". The AOP said only one in five people thinks smoking damages the eyes.
The AOP explained that cigarette smoke gets in the eyes and causes problems. Smoke has poison that can damage the eyes. It also has small pieces of metal like lead, which gets into the eyes and causes cataracts. This is a problem of cloudy eyes. An operation removes cataracts. Smoke can also worsen problems for people with diabetes. The AOP said smokers are also three times more likely to damage eye muscles. The AOP has asked smokers to quit.