Habitual use of smokeless tobacco may induce the formation of cataracts.

​The objective of this study was to determine the role of tobacco use in the development of cataracts. The lifestyle and medical data of 3,924 Indian men and women were analyzed by scientists from Medical Research Foundation, Chennai, India. 

The research team found a high rate of cataracts among users of smokeless tobacco. This 2006 study of Indian men and women demonstrated a positive association between the use of tobacco and the onset of cataracts.