While we’ve all been warned about the dangers of smoking and how it can spark severe ailments in the vital organs, many are unfamiliar with how this nasty habit affects their eyesight. As one of the best eye doctors in the Aiea, HI, area, Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates is passionate about explaining how smoking affects vision—to give smokers a few more reasons to quit.

3 Ways Smoking Will Hinder Your Eyesight

1. Increases Risk of Cataracts

Cataracts are diagnosed when the lens of the eye becomes more and more opaque, resulting in blurred vision. While many experience this problem with age, other factors can increase your risk of developing cataracts, such as smoking cigarettes.

2. Impairs Central Vision

If you enjoy reading or driving, it’s imperative you stop smoking cigarettes. Your habit may be diminishing your chances of continuing these activities in the long run. Those who smoke increase their risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, which causes “blind spots.” These restrictions will make everyday tasks like reading and driving not just difficult, but also dangerous.

3. May Result In Blindness

One of the most severe eye diseases is uveitis, the inflammation of the eye’s middle layer. This illness harms critical components in the eye like the iris and retina and can result in complete blindness. Eye doctors have found that smoking increases one’s risk of contracting uveitis.

While all of these vision-related issues are frightening to those who smoke, there is good news. It’s never too late to quit smoking and start reducing your risk of contracting these three eyesight problems. If you’re experiencing vision troubles of any kind, call (808) 487-5500 to make an appointment with the eye doctors at Dr. Edwin Y. Endo, O.D. & Associates. You can also visit them online for more information.