Defective visual field tests in chronic heavy smokers.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the visual field changes in smokers.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Hepsen
I F
IF
Department of Ophthalmology, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, Inönö University, Malatya, Turkey. hepsenif@usa.net
Evereklioglu
C
C
D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity; D014794:Visual Fields