Have you ever considered how your daily routines affect your vision? While we all link smoking and drinking to lung disease or liver damage, their impact on eye health is commonly disregarded. But these habits may be quietly stealing your vision.

Imagine this: You smoke a cigarette or have some cocktails after work, having no idea that the behaviors are speeding along the development of such conditions as cataracts, macular degeneration, and even blindness. Research indicates that smokers are four times more likely to have age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the most prevalent cause of vision loss. At the same time, excessive drinking removes vital nutrients that promote healthy eyes, causing blurry vision, optic nerve damage, and an increased risk of cataracts.

According to Dr. Ajay Sharma, top ophthalmologist, "The toxicants present in cigarette smoke have the potential to irreversibly damage sensitive eye tissues, and alcohol misuse speeds up vision loss in the long run.

The best news? Saving your eyesight begins with knowledge. Knowing how smoking and drinking affect your vision is the beginning of making better decisions. So go ahead, reach for that next drink or cigarette, and ask yourself: Is it worth risking your eyesight? Let's take a look at the true effect of these habits on your eyes.

We hear plenty about the ill effects of smoking and heavy drinking when it comes to heart disease, lung diseases, and liver disease. Their effects on the eyes, however, are much less talked about. Our eyes, just like all other organs, are prone to harm brought about by these bad habits. Smoking brings with it poisonous chemicals that damage crucial eye structures, and heavy drinking causes nutritional deficiencies and nerve damage, both of which have severe effects on the eyes.

Effects of Smoking on Eye Health

1. Risk of Blinding Eye Diseases

Smoking is a significant risk factor for several diseases that can lead to blindness, including:

Cataracts: Cigarette smoke releases toxic chemicals that speed up oxidative stress, which causes clouding of the lens of the eye. Research indicates that smokers are twice more likely to develop cataracts than non-smokers. Ophthalmologist Dr. Ajay Sharma says, "The harmful substances in cigarette smoke directly harm the lens, and there is a greater chance of cataract formation at an earlier age."

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): The macula, the retina's central region, which is used for clear vision, degenerates as a result of chronic smoking. Smokers are up to four times more likely than non-smokers to develop AMD, according to research. This condition progressively blurs central vision, making ordinary activities like reading and identifying faces more difficult by the day.

Glaucoma and Optic Nerve Damage: Smoking leads to high eye pressure, weakening the optic nerve and risking glaucoma. "The long-term eye effects of smoking are grave and irreversible, which is why quitting smoking as early as possible is very important," Dr. Sharma adds.

2. Dry Eye Syndrome and Increased Tear Reduction

Smoking interferes with tear production and quality, causing chronic dry eye syndrome. The symptoms are redness, irritation, and discomfort. The cigarette smoke exposure also increases inflammation, which makes it hard for the eyes to stay moist.

3. Diabetic Retinopathy Aggravation

For diabetics, smoking also aggravates diabetic retinopathy, a disease that destroys blood vessels in the eye. This will result in progressive visual impairment, further emphasizing why diabetics should eschew smoking.

Effects of Alcohol on Eye Health

1. Nutritional Deficiencies Leading to Vision Impairment

Long-term drinking drains vital vitamins and nutrients needed for eye health, especially:

Vitamin A Deficiency: Causes night blindness and dry eyes.

B-Complex Deficiency: Compromises optic nerve function, which raises the risk of vision loss.

Zinc Deficiency: Compromises retinal function, lowering clarity and contrast sensitivity.

Excessive alcohol consumption impairs the body's capacity to absorb these vital nutrients, hastening the loss of eye health.

2. Alcohol-Induced Optic Neuropathy

Alcohol abuse may lead to toxic optic neuropathy, which is a condition that involves blurred vision, impairment in color perception, and progressive vision loss. Chronic excessive drinking destroys the optic nerve over a period of time, causing permanent vision loss.

3. Transient and Permanent Blurred Vision

Whereas frequent drinking of alcohol may temporarily cause blurred vision through dehydration and insufficient oxygen flow to the eyes, long-term abuse of alcohol can result in sustained vision complications such as double vision and limited peripheral vision.

Yes, smoking and excessive drinking for many years can result in permanent vision loss. As Dr. Sharma points out, "Smokers are much more likely to get cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, both of which will result in permanent blindness if untreated."

Smoking-related eye disease symptoms are:

Cataracts: Dull vision, blurred color vision, and difficulty with vision in low light.

AMD: Altered or absent central vision, trouble reading, and trouble with identifying faces.

The initial phases of such conditions usually show no signs and symptoms, so frequent eye examinations are essential for early detection and treatment.

Stopping Smoking and Cutting Down Alcohol Consumption

The silver lining is that quitting smoking and cutting down on alcohol intake will substantially reduce the chances of eye-related ailments. Research indicates that people who quit smoking find their eye diseases to progress gradually. On the same note, having moderate alcohol intake and following a balanced diet can safeguard long-term eye health.

Important Steps to Safeguard Your Vision:

• Stop smoking to lower the chance of cataracts, AMD, and optic nerve damage.
• Restrict alcohol use to avoid optic neuropathy and preserve vital vitamins.
• Eat a balanced diet filled with vitamin A, B-complex vitamins, and antioxidants for healthy vision.
• Have regular eye exams to detect and treat vision issues early on.

Dr. Ajay Sharma, Ophthalmologist, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Eye-Q Eye Hospitals in India

October is the Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) observes this month to spread awareness on breast cancer and the month is also globally observed. This year, the theme is 'Every Story is Unique, Every Journey Matters'. The aim of this theme is to make more people understand that while community support is important, not everyone's journey can be the same. Each breast cancer diagnosis is personal.

Breast Cancer Statistics

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women worldwide. In 2022, approximately 2.3 million women were diagnosed and another 670,000 died from the disease, notes WHO.

WHO also notes that while the 5-year survival rates in high-income countries exceeds 90%, the figures drop to 66% in India and 40% in South Africa. These disparities are driven by unequal access to early detection, timely diagnosis and effective treatment. If the current trend continues, the incidence and mortality are projected to rise by 40% by 2050 hence the need for urgent and coordinated action. Indeed, where a woman lives should not determine whether she survives.

Established in 2021, the WHO Global Breast Cancer Initiative together with partners is working with countries to reduce breast cancer mortality by strengthening health systems.

The goal for this year's Breast Cancer Awareness Month thus would be to increase awareness and promote behavior change for early detection of the same.

One also must understand that the stigma and myths around breast cancer is what makes it difficult for people to understand what is happening with their body.

While the percentage of breast cancer patients is high in women, it is wrong to assume that men are not affected. Dr Mickey Mehta, previously told Health and Me, "Traditionally it is viewed as a women’s health issue, breast cancer awareness has often excluded men, even though they can also be affected by the disease. Engaging men in breast cancer awareness is crucial, as breast cancer can affect men, albeit at lower rates than women."

What Are Other Myths Associated With Breast Cancer?

Wearing A Bra Causes Breast Cancer

This idea was fueled by the 1995 book called Dressed to Kill by Sydney Ross Singer and Some Grismaijer which claimed that women who wear underwire bras for 12 hours a day have a much higher risk of developing breast cancer. The book claims that it restricts the lymph system, which can result in a build-up of toxins in the breasts. However, there is no credible research that shows a link between the two.

Dr Namrata Singal Sawant, Director and Senior Breast & Women's Imaging Consultant Radiologist at Vcare Imaging Diagnostic Centre, Mumbai, says, "While many of my patients ask me this question, especially about underwired bras or black bras; there has been no scientific evidence to claim the same. Although ill-fitting bras do cause chest pain or breast pain sometimes if too tight. But not cancer."

Sugar Consumption Can Caused Increased Risk of Breast Cancer

"It might be associated with many other health issues but has not been associated with breast cancer yet. However, keeping the sugar levels under control is very important for health healing of any breast infections or inflammatory disorders. Diabetic mastopathy is an important mimicker of breast cancer on imaging," says the doctor.

Wearing Black-dyed Clothes Can Cause Breast Cancer

The doctor says that it has not been proven by any scientific studies; however, wearing clothes with natural fibres and maintaining personal hygiene in the form of cleaning ourselves and our clothes regularly is a must.

Pregnancy Increases The Risk of Breast Cancer

As per the National Cancer Institute, the older a woman is when she has her first full-term pregnancy, the higher her risk of breast cancer. "Having our conventional reproductive customs like a first child before the age of 30 years and breastfeeding has been known to be associated with lower risks," says Dr Namrata. She also highlights the reports of Hormonal replacement therapy associated with increased risk of breast cancer.

Therefore, pregnancy does not increase the risk of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Cannot Happen Again

"Well! Some types of breast cancer when diagnosed early have excellent prognosis to treatment. Whereas there are others especially “Triple-negative types” which are notorious for poor prognosis and recurrence. If the cancer is diagnosed late, or positive margins have been left behind during breast conservative treatment or some kind of treatment failure, there are definite chances of recurrence," explained the doctor.

“Frankenstein”, a new Covid-19 variant, has been detected in Montreal’s wastewater and is now spreading across Quebec, according to the Institut national de santé publique du Québec (INSPQ). Officially known as XFG, the subvariant is considered highly transmissible but not more severe than earlier Omicron strains.

What Is the Frankenstein Covid-19 Variant?

First identified in January 2025, the Stratus strain—officially classified under the XFG lineage and its subvariant XFG.3—has become the most common form of COVID-19 in England.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated Stratus as a "variant under monitoring," a classification that signals the need for heightened genomic tracking, though it has emphasized the variant currently poses a low risk to global public health.

What sets Stratus apart from prior variants, particularly its Omicron predecessors, is a peculiar but increasingly common symptom: a hoarse or raspy voice, an anomaly not prominently associated with COVID-19 strains before.

Stratus is not just another offshoot of Omicron; it is what scientists call a “recombinant” or “Frankenstein” variant. This means it emerged when an individual was infected with two different Covid strains simultaneously, resulting in a new hybrid lineage. Such recombination events are rare but can lead to variants with novel characteristics—including changes in transmissibility, immune evasion, and symptomatology.

Reports from the World Health Organization indicate that Stratus is showing signs of additional immune evasion compared to other strains. This means it may more effectively bypass existing immunity from previous infections or vaccinations, contributing to its rapid spread.

Symptoms to Watch For

Like other Omicron subvariants, XFG is associated with respiratory symptoms such as dry cough, fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, muscle aches, and fever.

However, clinical observations point to some distinctive signs:

• A hoarse voice often accompanied by a sore throat described as a “razor blade” sensation.

• Some patients also experience gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and diarrhea, though these cases remain less common.

Risks Remain Moderate

WHO has classified XFG as a “variant of concern” but stresses that current data does not show it causes more severe illness compared to previous strains. Available vaccines are expected to continue providing strong protection against both symptomatic and severe cases.

Still, Canada is seeing a rise in overall COVID-19 activity. Federal data shows more than 2,400 confirmed cases were reported in the week of September 20, with positivity rates exceeding 10%. Activity is particularly increasing among people aged 65 and older.

In Quebec, health officials describe the situation as “moderate but rising”, aligning with what experts describe as part of the virus’s natural resurgence.

The Global Context: A 15th Wave in France

Canada’s developments mirror rising COVID-19 levels in Europe. French health experts say the country has entered a 15th wave, with incidence rates and emergency room visits climbing sharply since early September. Epidemiologist Mircea Sofonea explains that XFG carries multiple mutations that make it more transmissible and capable of partially evading immunity from prior infections or vaccines.

“The problem is that immunity naturally decreases over time, and these mutations help the virus bypass it,” Sofonea told franceinfo.

COVID-19 Entering a New Phase

Experts believe COVID-19 may be transitioning toward becoming a seasonal virus, much like the flu. “We hope that by next year, circulation will be more seasonal and less constant,” said Denis Malvy, infectious disease specialist at Bordeaux University Hospital.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has now approved the marketing of Essilor Stellest eyeglass lenses. It is now approved as a new treatment option designed to both correct myopia, which is nearsightedness and slow its progression in children between age 6 to 12.

What Is Myopia?

As pr the National Eye Institute, USA, nearsightedness is a refractive error that makes far-away objects look blurry. It happens when the shape of the eye makes light focus in front of the retina, which is a light sensitive layer of tissue in the back of your eye, instead of on it.

Myopia is also one of the most common vision conditions affecting children, and starts to worsen during the school years, when eyes are still growing. If left unchecked, progressive myopia can increase the risk of serious eye problems in adulthood, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and early cataracts. Until now, the only FDA-authorized device for slowing myopia progression was a type of contact lens for children between 8 and 12 years old. Essilor Stellest lenses expand treatment to younger children, including those as young as six, and to those who may be unable or unwilling to wear contact lenses.

How Does The Lenses Work?

Unlike standard eyeglasses, these FDA-approved glasses have a unique design that allows a clear 9-millimeter central zone that corrects vision. It is also surrounded by multiple rings of small, raised lenslets. These lenslets create a “peripheral light defocus” effect, which alters how light focuses on the retina. Research suggests that this helps slow the abnormal eye growth associated with worsening myopia.

What Did The Studies Find?

The FDA’s decision was based on a clinical trial comparing Essilor Stellest lenses with conventional single-vision lenses. After 24 months, results showed:

• A 71 percent reduction in myopia progression (measured by spherical equivalent refraction).

• A 53 percent reduction in eye elongation (measured by axial length, an indicator of worsening myopia).

Importantly, no serious safety issues were reported. Some children experienced mild visual disturbances such as halos or blurriness, but these side effects were not considered severe.

A Safer and Easier Option

Experts emphasize that this approval offers families a practical, lower-risk alternative to contact lenses. Eyeglasses are generally easier for young children to manage, reducing risks of infection or misuse that can occur with contacts.

“Today’s authorization brings to market a treatment option that may meaningfully reduce the likelihood of severe eyesight issues later in adult life, while also being easier to use and lower risk than the currently authorized devices,” said Dr. Michelle Tarver, director at the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.