Defective visual field tests in chronic heavy smokers

To evaluate the visual field changes in smokers.

In 24 healthy, chronic, heavy cigarette smokers and 16 age and sex-matched healthy non-smokers, central 30-2 threshold tests were evaluated. The quantitative perimetric indices as objective retinal sensitivity measures were recorded in both eyes, but only those from the second eye were chosen for analysis. The visual field defects were also assessed.

All subjects had normal visual acuity. The central visual fields in smokers showed relative to absolute scotomas in 20 degrees to 30 degrees. Quantitative perimetric indices including total threshold dB with red and white target, MD, PSD, and CPSD values were significantly different (p<0.05) between the groups. Smokers showed both diffuse and localised retinal sensitivity decrease. SF showed no significant difference (p>0.05) between the groups.

In healthy, chronic, heavy cigarette smokers, retinal sensitivity was found to be decreased although central vision was not affected. This is possibly due to a cumulative effect of chronic smoking onto the retinal and/or optic nerve functions without clinically evident optic neuropathy.