Smoking as an unfavourable lifestyle factor for progression in primary open-angle glaucoma

Purpose. Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is a neuro­degenerative systemic disease that represents a major therapeutic challenge. Despite local reduction of intraocular pressure, progression cannot be halted in many cases. In this respect, avoidable risk factors such as smoking, which can promote neurodegeneration, play an important role in therapy management.

Material and Methods. The mini-review with clinical statement covers the current state of knowledge on smoking as an independent risk factor for POWG. The literature search was conducted using PubMed.

Results. Tobacco smoking lead to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative processes via secondary mitochondriopathy. In addition, there is a smoke-associated ocular and systemic micro-circulatory disorder, which further adversely affects glaucomatous neuropathy.

Conclusion. Patients with POWG must refrain from smoking tobacco and using e-cigarettes. It is therefore the duty to point this out and recommend smoking cessation therapy as a therapeutic measure in individual cases.