Tanisha Martheswaran1, Margaret H Shmunes2, Yasmyne C Ronquillo3, Majid Moshirfar4,5,6. 1. Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA. 2. Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, 3501 Arrowhead Dr, Las Cruces, NM, 88003, USA. 3. Hoopes Vision Research Center, 11820 State Street Suite #200, Draper, UT, 84020, USA. 4. Hoopes Vision Research Center, 11820 State Street Suite #200, Draper, UT, 84020, USA. Cornea2020@me.com. 5. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, 65 Mario Capecchi Drive, Salt Lake City, UT, 84132, USA. Cornea2020@me.com. 6. Utah Lions Eye Bank, 6056 Fashion Square Drive Suite 200, Murray, UT, 84107, USA. Cornea2020@me.com.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes, was initially introduced as a step toward smoking cessation, but has become an increasingly popular option for smokers. Though advertised as safer than conventional cigarettes, these devices have been found to contain carcinogenic chemicals, air pollutants, and heavy metals. The purpose of this article is to shed light on the known effects of vaping on the ocular setting and raise the discussion about additional potential effects that may call for further investigation. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted for publications pertaining to the effects of vaping on the eye. Relevant studies and findings were summarized in this article. RESULTS: It was found that aldehydes and free radicals present in electronic cigarettes may induce a disturbance in tear film stability, and vape flavorings may damage the lipid layer through peroxidation. Corneal staining has been shown to appear following exposure to e-cigarette vapor, with nicotine and acrolein potentially inducing an inflammatory response in corneal epithelial cells. In addition, nicotine has been shown to induce nystagmus, exert vasoconstrictive effects on ocular blood flow, and may interfere with retinal light-adapted vision. Vape-related explosions, though unpredictable, may also result in decreased visual acuity along with long-term ocular trauma. CONCLUSION: Research discussing both the short-term and long-term effects of vaping on the eye is limited. However, the potential harms of substances such as nicotine and aldehydes warrant additional investigation and increased education about the detriment that electronic cigarettes may inflict on sensitive organs.
PURPOSE: Vaping, or the use of electronic cigarettes, was initially introduced as a step toward smoking cessation, but has become an increasingly popular option for smokers. Though advertised as safer than conventional cigarettes, these devices have been found to contain carcinogenic chemicals, air pollutants, and heavy metals. The purpose of this article is to shed light on the known effects of vaping on the ocular setting and raise the discussion about additional potential effects that may call for further investigation. METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted for publications pertaining to the effects of vaping on the eye. Relevant studies and findings were summarized in this article. RESULTS: It was found that aldehydes and free radicals present in electronic cigarettes may induce a disturbance in tear film stability, and vape flavorings may damage the lipid layer through peroxidation. Corneal staining has been shown to appear following exposure to e-cigarette vapor, with nicotine and acrolein potentially inducing an inflammatory response in corneal epithelial cells. In addition, nicotine has been shown to induce nystagmus, exert vasoconstrictive effects on ocular blood flow, and may interfere with retinal light-adapted vision. Vape-related explosions, though unpredictable, may also result in decreased visual acuity along with long-term ocular trauma. CONCLUSION: Research discussing both the short-term and long-term effects of vaping on the eye is limited. However, the potential harms of substances such as nicotine and aldehydes warrant additional investigation and increased education about the detriment that electronic cigarettes may inflict on sensitive organs.
Authors: Reema Goel; Erwann Durand; Neil Trushin; Bogdan Prokopczyk; Jonathan Foulds; Ryan J Elias; John P Richie Journal: Chem Res Toxicol Date: 2015-08-07 Impact factor: 3.739
Authors: Leon Kosmider; Andrzej Sobczak; Maciej Fik; Jakub Knysak; Marzena Zaciera; Jolanta Kurek; Maciej Lukasz Goniewicz Journal: Nicotine Tob Res Date: 2014-05-15 Impact factor: 4.244