Vapor can lead to blindness, says eye health expert

The number of adults in the UK vaping has hit a record high, with consumption rising by 11% year-on-year, according to the latest figures from Action on Smoking and Health. Use among 11- to 17-year-olds has remained flat over the past 12 months, while remaining significantly up on pre-pandemic levels, the figures show.

According to experts at Optical Express, the potential impact of vaping on eye health is both considerable and not well publicized. These range from short-term effects such as dry eyes to more serious long-term effects with the vapors putting you at greater risk of developing cataracts or glaucoma.

Chairman and CEO of Optical Express, Professor David Moulsdale, said: “With more Britons than ever now using e-cigarettes, it’s time to lift the lid on the shocking and dangerous impact these products can have on your eyes. Just half an hour of vaping can lead to oxidative stress in the eyes, leading to macular degeneration. The macula is the part of the eye responsible for our sharp direct vision and is found in the area of ​​the retina.

“Macular degeneration can eventually lead to reduced visual function, in the worst case, blindness. This condition, along with cataracts and glaucoma, is usually found in the elderly, as eye health naturally deteriorates as we age. If you are a vape user, you increase the risk of macular degeneration occurring earlier.

“Cataracts, a clouding or clouding of the lens in the eye that reduces vision, can also lead to significant vision loss – even blindness when left untreated. Some early indicators that vaping is affecting your eye health are dry eyes, which are common in vaping users, who often suffer from redness and itching, and some may even find that it hurts when they blink.

“Our eyes can also become sensitive to bright light. Eye drops can help relieve some of these conditions in the short term, but they are only temporary solutions. The best thing to do to prevent any other eye health risks associated with vaping is to stop vaping or not at all.

“If you notice any blurring or distortion of vision, contact your eye care provider who will be able to fully evaluate your eye health.”