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Turkish study investigates effects of heavy smoking on corneal biomechanics
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ISTANBUL — A study comparing corneal biomechanics of heavy smokers and nonsmokers in Turkey found no significant difference, but there was a tendency for increased stiffness in the corneas of heavy smokers, particularly those older than 40 years.
Ayşe Ebru
Kilavuzoglu
Turkey is among the top 10 countries for tobacco consumption in the world, Ayşe Ebru Kilavuzoglu, MD, said at the winter meeting of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons. The 2008 Global Adult Tobacco Survey showed that 31.2% of adults, including 50% of all men and 15% of all women, are heavy smokers, consuming more than 20 cigarettes a day. WHO survey data report that at least one family member smokes in 60% to 82% of households in Turkey and that passive smoking is a common problem.
“The purpose of our study was to investigate possible effects of heavy smoking on corneal biomechanics. By comparing two groups of 50 heavy smokers and 50 nonsmokers, we found that corneal hysteresis was comparable but corneal resistance factor (CRF) tended to be higher in the heavy smokers group, though the difference did not reach statistical significance. We then divided the patients in two groups according to age and found that CRF was generally higher in heavy smokers with more than 40 years of age,” Kilavuzoglu said.
A study by Spoerl had previously found a negative correlation between keratoconus rate and heavy smoking, concluding that by-products of cigarette smoke may lead to cross-linking between collagen fibers in the cornea. Another study by Hafezi investigated corneal biomechanics in chronic smokers and nonsmokers and concluded that all parameters were significantly higher in the smokers group. – by Michela Cimberle
Disclosure: Kilavuzoglu reports no relevant financial disclosures.