Carotenoid levels and vitamin C blood concentrations are substantially reduced. Smoking oxidizes cholesterol, causing fat to build up in the arteries. This leads to heart attack, stroke, and probably macular degeneration. Researchers think smoking contributes to the incidence of some types of cataracts. Carbon monoxide from cigarette smoke creates a hypoxic effect, it is clear that hypoxia will degrade night vision.
Smoking produces cyanide, a retinal toxin.
Smokers may develop a problem called toxic amblyopia. Amblyopia is reduced or dimness of vision that is not related to visible changes in eye health. Causes include exposure to toxic substances, such as alcohol and tobacco smoke, diabetic, and medication. Amblyopia, especially of one eye, is also called lazy eye. This condition occurs when one eye is not properly aligned or when the visual correction needed by one eye is significantly worse than in the other.