Some e-cigarette solvents contain toxic substances that could damage users’ eyeballs.
- The HCSP recently recommended that healthcare professionals not offer patients the use of electronic cigarettes to quit smoking.
- The toxic substances, present in the solvents of electronic cigarettes, can damage the tear duct, the cornea and cause a decrease in vision.
Intestine, bones, erection… The use of electronic cigarettes has many health consequences. Recently, a study published in the journal International Journal of Ophthalmology highlighted the impact of vaping on the eyes. “These devices contain carcinogenic chemicals, air pollutants and heavy metals. The goal of this research is to reveal the effects of e-cigarettes on the eyeball,” the US researchers said.
For the purposes of the work, the scientists analyzed several data, including 1.1 million people. These were collected between 2016 and 2018. Participants were asked to provide information on their visual impairment and the frequency with which they smoked or used electronic cigarettes.
The effects of vaping on the eyes
The researchers found that “aldehydes (chemical compounds) and free radicals present in electronic cigarettes could induce disruption of the stability of the tear duct, and that vaping flavors can damage the lipid layer”.
According to the results, spots could appear on the level of the cornea after an exposure to the vapor of electronic cigarette. The study authors also pointed out that nicotine and acrolein, contained in the solvents of electronic cigarettes, could cause inflammation of the cornea.
“In addition, nicotine has been shown to induce nystagmus (an involuntary rhythmic oscillatory movement of both eyes or one eye), have vasoconstrictive effects on ocular blood flow, and may interfere with light-adapted retinal vision. “, the scientists developed. Vaping could also lead to decreased visual acuity as well as long-term eye trauma.
The researchers concluded that their findings warrant further research and increased awareness of the harmful effects e-cigarettes can have on sensitive organs.
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