Scientists have linked vape smoking to vision impairment
In a new study, scientists have found a link between smoking, including e-cigarettes, and visual impairment.Researchers from McGill University in Canada examined the link between smoking, including vape use, and various vision-related symptoms.
They surveyed 4,351 Americans between the ages of 13 and 24. Of these, 50.2% smoked e-cigarettes and 36.5% smoked regular cigarettes at least once in their lives (ever users). Among the 2,183 study subjects who used e-cigarettes, 55.9% also smoked regular cigarettes ("dual users").
After adjusting for sociodemographic factors, contact lens use, and other substances, participants who had smoked only cigarettes at least once in their lives had severe burning/tingling in their eyes and blurred vision compared to all other subjects.
Those who had smoked only cigarettes for 30 days had more severe blurred vision compared to all other participants.
Between 1.1% and 3.9% of "dual users" reported recurrent severe eye problems, and between 0.9% and 4.3% reported daily symptoms of visual impairment. The main symptoms included severe and more frequent eye discomfort, pain, burning, itching, redness, dryness sensation, sensitivity to bright light, blurred vision and headaches, as well as and eye fatigue and strain.
The study is published in the journal JAMA Ophthalmology.