A Comparison of Corneal Biomechanical Properties of Chronic Smokers and Non-Smokers Using the Ocular Response Analyzer

Chronic smoking has negative effects on the ocular surface; chronic smokers had lower Schirmer scores in the corneas [1], a higher degree of squamous metaplasia [2,3], a higher grade of lipid layer changes in tears [3], and lower tear film break-up time compared with non-smokers [1-4]. Smoking also affects tear secretion and protein components in tears [5,6]. Furthermore, cigarette smoking may be harmful to the corneal endothelium. In our previous study, we found a significant decrease in the percentage of hexagonal cells in chronic smokers [1]. In addition to these findings, another study showed that smoking may inhibit or suppress the triggering factors of keratoconus and lead to a decreased rate or reduced severity of keratoconus [7]. All of these findings indicate that smoking influences biochemical processes and may change the biomechanics of the cornea.