Multidisciplinary Clinical Study on Retinal, Circulatory, and Respiratory Damage in Smoking-Dependent Subjects

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pulmonology
• Hematology

Background:

• Cigarette smoking is a major global health risk, affecting systemic health through oxidative stress and thrombosis.
• Chorioretinal changes may reflect systemic vascular damage, offering insights into smoking's broader impact.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of traditional cigarette smoking on chorioretinal vascularization, pulmonary function, and blood hemorheology.
• To assess alterations using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), spirometry, and the total thrombus formation analysis system (T-TAS).

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 30 participants (20 smokers, 10 non-smokers).
• Evaluations included comprehensive ocular exams with OCTA, spirometry for pulmonary capacity, and T-TAS for hemorheological analysis.
• Blood and pulmonary function tests were conducted alongside detailed eye imaging.

Main Results:

• Smokers exhibited increased T-TAS values and decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1 L) compared to non-smokers.
• Optical coherence tomography angiography revealed statistically significant reductions in macular vascular density (FD) in the right eyes of smokers.
• No significant differences were observed in other evaluated parameters between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Macular vascular density (FD), FEV1, and T-TAS show promise as indicators correlating smoking-induced alterations.
• These parameters, detected via OCTA, spirometry, and hemorheology, may reflect systemic vascular damage and oxidative stress from tobacco use.
• Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore the full extent of tobacco's vascular and oxidative impact.