How Vaping May Harm Eye Health and Vision
Vaping, widely known for its effects on lung health, is now being linked to significant risks for eye health, according to a systematic review by researchers at the University of British Columbia. Published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, the study warns that vaping’s impact on the eye’s outer protective layer – the tear film and cornea – is far from harmless. These layers play a critical role in ensuring ocular comfort, maintaining moisture, and enabling clear vision.
Short-Term and Long-Term Effects
Dr. Tanya Khan, an oculoplastic surgeon, notes an increase in reports of dry eyes and redness among young people who vape. While these symptoms reflect short-term effects, experts anticipate that long-term studies may reveal more severe consequences. Chronic exposure to vaping has already been linked to destabilized tear film, reduced tear production, and thinning of the cornea. These changes can cause persistent dryness, irritation, and fluctuating vision.
The Role of the Tear Film
The tear film is essential for smooth light refraction, lubrication, and protecting the eye. Damage to this layer, often caused by the chemicals in vaping aerosols, disrupts its stability and function. This can lead to dryness, blurred vision, and long-term ocular surface damage. Meibomian gland dysfunction, which affects the production of protective oils in the tear film, has also been observed in vaping patients.
Harmful Chemicals in E-Cigarettes
Vaping liquids contain aldehydes, glycerol, and volatile organic compounds, which can oxidize and damage the tear film’s lipid layer. Nicotine, a key ingredient in many e-cigarettes, restricts blood flow by constricting blood vessels, impairing tissue repair and eye health. Furthermore, improper heating of vaping liquids can release formaldehyde, a carcinogen, and flavoring agents like diacetyl, which are associated with severe health risks.
E-Cigarette Explosions and Eye Trauma
Unintended physical harm from e-cigarettes, such as device explosions, is also a concern. Such incidents can cause corneal trauma, bleeding under the conjunctiva, and deposition of black particulates on the eye’s surface. These unpredictable events underscore the risks associated with vaping devices.
Nicotine’s Effects on the Retina
Beyond the tear film and cornea, nicotine in vaping products may also harm the retina, which is responsible for visual acuity and processing light into images. Research suggests nicotine can interact with retinal receptors, affecting dopamine and glutamate release, and potentially leading to further visual impairment.
A Call to Action
Healthcare professionals, including Dr. Khan and Dr. Majid Moshirfar, emphasize the importance of raising awareness about these risks. Dr. Moshirfar’s findings suggest that the oxidative damage caused by vaping aerosols could have far-reaching consequences for eye health. Both experts advocate for quitting vaping to preserve ocular health and avoid complications such as delayed wound healing, chronic dryness, and vision loss.
As vaping continues to grow in popularity, these findings serve as a stark reminder of its potential dangers – not just for lungs, but for vision and overall eye health.
Read more: Vaping May Damage the Outer Coating of the Eye, Impair Vision
