Up in smoke: Cigarette smoking as an underrecognized driver of conjunctivitis in adolescents and young adults a narrative review
Abstract
Conjunctivitis is one of the most prevalent ocular conditions worldwide, with multiple etiological factors ranging from infectious to environmental causes. Emerging evidence suggests a significant association between cigarette smoking and the development of conjunctivitis in young populations. This narrative review synthesizes current literature on the relationship between smoking exposure and conjunctivitis, examining the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, epidemiological trends, and clinical implications. The review explores how tobacco smoke constituents damage the ocular surface, trigger inflammatory cascades, and compromise protective mechanisms. Furthermore, it discusses the differential impact of active smoking versus passive smoke exposure, particularly in adolescents and young adults. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for implementing preventive strategies and clinical management approaches. This review concludes that cigarette smoking represents a significant and often underrecognized risk factor for conjunctivitis in younger populations, warranting increased public health awareness and clinical attention.
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