Eyes Wide Open: Unveiling the Impact of E-cigarettes on Ocular Health.
🚬As the global use of E-cigarettes and vaping products surges, so does the corner about their impact on health. A recent systematic review dives deep into the realm of ocular health, shedding light on the potential consequences of E-cigarette use on the eyes.
👁The review, which analysed 18 studies, uncovers a range of adverse effects on the ocular surface. From explosions causing corneal injuries to chronic exposure leading to alternations in tear film stability and gland loss, the findings paint a concerning picture.
👀Acute exposures, equivalent to just 10 puffs, can disrupt tear film stability and increase corneal epithelial thickness. Meanwhile, chronic exposure has been linked to ocular surface malignancies, tear production changes, and meibomian gland loss.
🔎With calls to poison control centres in the US predominantly associated with ocular exposures, the review underscores the urgency of addressing this issue. Yet, gaps in understanding the long-term impacts emphasise the need for further research to safeguard ocular health in the era of E-cigarettes.