Smoking is a detrimental habit that directly impacts your health. This includes your eye health, as smoking is associated with numerous negative effects on your vision. The eye doctors at Kato & Shoji Optometrists are dedicated to providing their patients in Honolulu with the information they need to properly care for their eyes throughout every stage of their lives. This guide explains some of the negative consequences smoking has on vision care.

Increases Risk of Macular Degeneration & Cataracts

Macular degeneration and cataracts are two damaging conditions that can lead to vision loss over time. People who smoke have an increased risk of developing both at some point during their lives. In fact, smokers are two times more likely to experience macular degeneration and are two to three times more likely to contract cataracts than nonsmokers. If you experience blurred vision, have problems seeing in the dark, or notice images becoming cloudy, schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.

Causes Uveitis

Smokers also have an increased risk of developing uveitis. This condition causes swelling with the eye’s center layer — the uvea — which houses numerous blood vessels. When this section of the eye becomes inflamed, the surrounding tissues can also be damaged, and this damage may be irreversible if left unchecked. Smokers are twice as likely to develop uveitis than those who don’t smoke.

Exacerbates Dry Eye Symptoms

While slightly less serious, chronic dry eye can be extremely uncomfortable. This condition is also exacerbated by cigarette smoke, whether you’re a smoker or around smoke. There are over 7,000 chemicals in cigarettes that can cause eye irritation, especially for people who’ve smoked for an extended period. Along with treatments like eye drops, symptoms of dry eye can be diminished by avoiding cigarette smoke altogether.   

Cigarettes impact your whole body, but your vision is one vital sense they attack. Whether you need a new pair of glasses or want information on how to maintain optimum eye health, Kato & Shoji Optometrists are poised and ready to assist you. Schedule an appointment in Honolulu by calling (808) 735-8080 today. If you want to learn more about the complete listing of services, feel free to stop by this eye doctor’s website.