The emergence of electronic cigarettes, or e-cigarettes, and vapes mark a significant shift in how people consume nicotine. Initially marketed as a safer alternative to traditional tobacco products, vaping devices have quickly gained popularity, particularly among teens and young adults.
The allure of different flavors, sleek designs, and a perceived safer product has fueled the exponential growth of the vaping industry, transforming it into a multi-billion-dollar market with an estimated 85 million people worldwide using e-cigarettes and vapes on a regular basis.
However, as we learn more about vaping, a number of serious health risks are beginning to surface. As you might expect, much of this attention has focused on the adverse effects of vaping on respiratory and cardiovascular health. However, like smoking, vaping contributes to significant negative health effects on more than just the heart and lungs.
One of these lesser-known dangers posed by vaping is the negative impact it has on eye health and vision.
Understanding vaping and its components
Vaping involves the inhalation of aerosolized substances produced by heating a liquid solution typically containing nicotine, flavorings, and other additives.
While e-cigarettes and vapes eliminate the combustion and smoke of traditional tobacco smoking, they introduce a new set of chemicals into the body through the process of vaporization. The primary components of concern in vaping liquids (more commonly known as vape juice) include nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, and various flavoring agents, each pose distinct risks to health, including:
- Nicotine
A highly addictive substance, it’s one of the primary components of vapes and often present in a wide range of concentrations. Nicotine is known to constrict blood vessels throughout the body, potentially affecting blood flow to the eyes. - Propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin
These two substances serve as the base for vape juice and are responsible for producing the vapor when heated. While generally recognized as safe for consumption, both propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin have been associated with irritation to the eyes and the respiratory tract when heated and inhaled. - Flavorings and other chemicals
Vape juice also often contains a number of flavorings and additives, many of which have not been thoroughly studied for their effects on health. Some of these chemicals are believed to pose risks to eye health when inhaled over an extended period of time.
The eye-opening connection between vaping and vision health
While the adverse effects of smoking on eye health and vision have been well-documented, the impact of vaping remains a subject of ongoing research and discovery. Limited studies have begun to unravel the potential dangers of vaping on eyesight, with emerging evidence suggesting a correlation between electronic cigarette use and a number of eye health and vision complications.
The link between vaping and vision: what the science says
Although the specific dangers of vaping on vision are becoming increasingly recognized, the body of scientific literature on this topic is still relatively sparse compared to research on the respiratory and cardiovascular effects of vaping. However, several recent studies have demonstrated the potential risks to eye health associated with vaping:
- A recent study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that young adults who reported vaping were more likely to experience symptoms of dry eye syndrome compared to non-users. The researchers suggested that the irritant effects of vape juice components may contribute to the development of dry eye symptoms.
- Another study published in Optometry and Vision Science examined the acute effects of vaping on tear production and stability and ocular surface health in healthy adults. The findings revealed that vaping has been shown to contribute to a disruption in tear production, indicating the potential for damage to the ocular surface.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Physiology evaluated the effects of nicotine on ocular health and visual function. The researchers concluded that nicotine exposure may have detrimental effects on various aspects of ocular health, including retinal function, intraocular pressure regulation, and blood flow.
Nicotine’s influence on ocular health
Nicotine affects the visual system in multiple ways, including vasoconstriction, oxidative stress, and inflammation. By constricting blood vessels, nicotine reduces blood flow to the eyes, compromising the delivery of oxygen and essential nutrients in and around the eyes.
Chronic exposure to nicotine has also been associated with an increased risk of retinal vascular diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, which is a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Additionally, nicotine use has been linked to an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of vision loss among older adults. AMD affects the macula, the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision, making activities like reading and driving challenging.
Propylene glycol and ocular irritation
Propylene glycol has been linked to ocular irritation and dry eye syndrome. Propylene glycol absorbs moisture from the environment, contributing to the removal of moisture from the eye’s surface and exacerbating symptoms of dry eye. Prolonged exposure to propylene glycol vapor may irritate the eyes, leading to increased discomfort, redness, and visual disturbances.
Vegetable glycerin and visual disturbances
Vegetable glycerin has been associated with the development of visual disturbances such as blurred vision and sensitivity to light. Although the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, initial indications suggest a potential association between vegetable glycerin inhalation and ocular symptoms. The thickening effect of glycerin vapor may alter tear development and function and disrupt corneal hydration, resulting in temporary changes in visual acuity and perception.
Flavoring agents and ocular toxicity
The wide array of flavoring agents used in e-cigarettes makes it difficult to assess their overall potential for causing eye and vision issues. Many flavoring compounds, such as diacetyl and acetoin, have been identified as respiratory irritants and lung toxins, prompting concerns about their safety when inhaled.
While direct evidence linking flavorings to ocular harm is currently lacking, their systemic absorption and metabolic breakdown raise questions about their potential to affect the tissue and visual function of the eyes.
Understanding the specific dangers of vaping on vision
Vaping poses specific dangers to vision and ocular health, ranging from dry eye syndrome and ocular irritation to an increased risk of macular degeneration. The chemical components of vape juice, specifically nicotine, propylene glycol, and vegetable glycerin, are believed to contribute to these adverse effects and contribute to an increased risk of vasoconstriction, inflammation, and oxidative stress in and around the eyes.
As the prevalence of vaping continues to rise, it is essential to prioritize ocular health and raise awareness about the potential risks associated with vaping. By understanding the specific dangers of vaping on vision and taking proactive measures to prevent vaping-related eye problems, we are better able to keep our eyes wide open to the potential risks and better protect our vision for years to come.
