The Impact of E-Cigarette Smoking and Vaping Voltage on Tear Film

Md Isa, Nur Amalina and Doraj,, Pavithra and Koh, Poh Yi (2021) The Impact of E-Cigarette Smoking and Vaping Voltage on Tear Film. International Journal of Allied Health Sciences, 5 (3). E-ISSN 2600-8491

PDF Restricted to Repository staff only Download (61kB) | Request a copy

Abstract

Background: The impact of e-cigarette (EC) vaping to the eyes is not much known except for reported eye irritation from exposure to EC vapor and e-liquid. Dubbed as “healthier” version of smoking due to lesser toxicants compared to conventional cigarette, studies found that e-liquid product label often do not represent the actual components. Carcinogens and free radicals were also found in EC vapor and they were associated with e-liquid compositions, device power output, and puffing profile. This study aims to investigate the effect of vaping on tear film and ocular comfort of long-term vapers. Methodology: Twenty-one vapers and 21 non-smokers (age range: 18 -30 years old) were evaluated on their Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score, non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT), fluorescein break-up time (FBUT), tear meniscus height (TMH), and Schirmer test. The influence of regular vaping voltage was assessed against the parameters. Results: The OSDI score shows vapers experienced moderate-to-severe eye dryness [25.0 (IQR 14.6—43.7)]. Significantly lower NITBUT (P < .0001, r = 0.70), FBUT (P < .0001, r = -0.76), and TMH (P = .002, r = -0.40) but higher Shirmer test score (P = .001, r = -0.49) were found in vapers compared with non-smokers. Increase in vaping voltage deteriorate the dry eye symptoms and tear stability (P < .05). Higher Schirmer test result was also noted as voltageincreases. Conclusion: Moderate-to-severe ocular discomfort and poor tear film function among vapers signaled disadvantages of vaping to the eyes. Exposure to the by-products of e-liquid pyrolysis during high voltage vaping may have deteriorated the tear function. Investigation on other ocular surface health parameters is necessary to gain a deeper understanding on the impact of vaping to the eyes.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	E-cigarette, eye, ocular surface
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) R Medicine > RE Ophthalmology
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Allied Health Sciences > Department of Optometry and Visual Science
Depositing User:	Nur Amalina Md Isa
Date Deposited:	20 Aug 2021 16:12
Last Modified:	20 Aug 2021 16:12
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/91626

Actions (login required)

View Item