Effect of Cigarette Smoking on Macular, Choroidal, and Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background Smoking is one of the most significant and preventable health problems of our time causing various chronic illnesses including ocular problems; however, its effect on thickness of the retinal layers or choroid is still unknown. Aim of the Work to conduct a systematic review and attempt a meta-analysis to determine the effect of tobacco smoking on central macular (CMT), choroidal (CT), and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL). Materials and Methods comprehensive literature search was conducted using the databases Google scholar, PubMed, web of science, EMBASE and Cochrane Library for published studies from 1 January 2000 to 1 June 2021.This meta-analysis included thirteen studies. They were Observational studies. Results This study demonstrated no significant effect of tobacco smoking on central macular, choroidal or retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. However, advanced analyses showed that smoking has acute effect on choroidal thickness and would influence the thickness of superior and inferior RNFL quadrants. Conclusion There was no evidence of an association between tobacco smoking and changes in choroidal, central foveal or retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. Future research on this interesting and important topic could aid in the prevention and treatment of smoking-related illnesses.