Effect of cigarette smoke on the eyes and airway

Abstract

Questionnaires relating to subjective aspects of “passive” cigarette smoke exposure have been completed by 426 adults attending the offices of ophthalmologists in the Toronto area. Lachrymation was a frequent complaint (ex-smokers > non-smokers > smokers); however, the intensity was usually slight, and the time to onset was often 20 min or longer. Smokers reported lachrymation more frequently with "passive" exposure than from use of their own cigarettes. Stinging of the eyes (non-smokers > ex-smokers > smokers) was reported less frequently than lachrymation. Perceived disturbances of vision were positively correlated with stinging of the eyes, but were negatively related to lachrymation. Wheezing was more commonly reported by smokers and ex-smokers than by non-smokers, while rhinorrhea was more frequent in the non-smokers. There was a two-fold increase in the frequency of wheezing in asthmatics, and of rhinorrhea in patients with hay-fever. It is concluded that since symptoms are reported by both smokers and non smokers, it is reasonable to establish air quality criteria on subjective grounds. Patients with asthma and hay-fever seem particularly vulnerable to "passive" cigarette smoke exposure.