Vaping could be affecting your eyesight every time you blink, an eye surgeon has warned. Vapers have been told that the habit could quietly irritate their eyes and destabilise the protective layer of tears needed for clear, comfortable vision.
While the effects of vaping on the lungs and heart are increasingly discussed, specialists say far less attention is paid to symptoms including dryness, redness, burning and intermittent blurred vision. Mr Mohammad Dehabadi, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon at OCL Vision, said emerging research suggests e-cigarette vapour is not harmless to the delicate surface of the eye.
How vapour affects the tear film
He said: "Every time we blink, a thin tear film spreads across the eye. This keeps the surface lubricated, protects against irritants and creates the smooth optical surface needed for clear vision.
"Evidence suggests vaping may reduce the quality and stability of that tear film. When it breaks down too quickly, the eyes can feel dry, gritty, sore or watery, and vision may fluctuate until the person blinks again."
If the eye's protective tear film is damaged, it can result in dry eye disease. This condition can lead to irritation, redness, and discomfort or a scratchy feeling with each blink. To treat dry eye disease, experts recommend hydration methods, lifestyle adjustments, and medical treatments.
Why may vaping leave eyes dry and irritated?
Vape aerosol can contain nicotine, flavourings, propylene glycol and other substances produced when e-liquid is heated. Mr Dehabadi said: "The aerosol does not simply disappear. The eyes can be exposed directly when vapour drifts towards the face, while some substances may also enter the bloodstream after being inhaled.
"Propylene glycol attracts and retains water, and aerosol exposure may contribute to irritation and faster tear evaporation. Laboratory research has also raised concerns about oxidative stress and inflammation on the ocular surface."
He says contact lens wearers may notice the effects sooner because lenses already sit within the tear film and can become uncomfortable when the eyes are dry. He said: "Someone may assume their lenses no longer fit properly or blame increased screen use. However, vaping could be one of several factors contributing to the irritation.
"Dry eye can also cause excessive watering. This seems contradictory, but an irritated eye may produce a rush of watery tears that do not contain the right balance of oils needed to remain on its surface."
Could vaping affect the back of the eye?
The long-term impact of vaping on the retina, optic nerve and the eye's tiny blood vessels is not yet fully understood. Mr Dehabadi said: "Nicotine can affect blood vessels, while oxidative stress is involved in several eye diseases. It is therefore reasonable for researchers to examine whether long-term vaping could have effects beyond the surface of the eye.
"However, we do not yet have the same depth of long-term evidence that exists for conventional smoking. We should not claim vaping has been proven to cause a particular sight-threatening condition when the research is still developing."
Vapers experiencing dryness should avoid directing aerosol towards their eyes, take regular breaks from screens and speak to an optometrist or pharmacist about suitable lubricating eye drops. Mr Dehabadi said: "Eye drops may relieve symptoms, but they do not remove the underlying exposure. If vaping is contributing to persistent irritation, reducing or stopping it is likely to be more helpful than repeatedly treating the dryness alone."
Sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, new flashing lights, a curtain-like shadow or a marked increase in floaters requires urgent assessment. He says they should never automatically be blamed on vaping or dry eye.
Mr Dehabadi added: "Persistent redness, discomfort or blurred vision should also be examined. The important message is that vaping does not only come into contact with the lungs. The eyes are exposed too, and they may be among the first places where irritation becomes noticeable."
