A new study has found that people who continue vaping or using other nicotine alternatives after quitting cigarettes may face a higher risk of developing eye diseases than those who stop using nicotine completely.
The research was conducted by Korea University College of Medicine in South Korea. Researchers analyzed national health insurance records of 32,316 former smokers to examine the long-term health effects of continued nicotine use through alternative products.
The findings were published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology and add to growing evidence about the potential health risks associated with vaping.
Researchers followed participants for an average of 4.6 years. The individuals were divided into two groups. One group completely stopped using nicotine after quitting smoking. The second group continued using nicotine through alternative products, including e-cigarettes.
During the study period, researchers recorded 6,328 new cases of eye disease. The results showed a slightly higher rate of eye-related conditions among people who continued using nicotine alternatives.
According to the study, the incidence rate was 41.1 cases per 1,000 person-years among those who quit nicotine completely. Among people who continued vaping or using other nicotine products, the rate increased to 44 cases per 1,000 person-years.
After adjusting the data for various factors, researchers found that users of alternative nicotine products had a 7 percent higher overall risk of developing eye diseases.
The strongest association was observed with diabetic retinopathy. This is a serious eye condition linked to diabetes and can affect vision if left untreated. The study found that people who continued vaping or using nicotine alternatives faced a 24 percent higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy.
Researchers also identified an increased risk of disorders that affect the eye’s ability to focus properly. Such conditions may impact vision quality and daily activities.
The study did not identify total blindness as a common outcome. However, researchers noted that severe complications could occur in rare cases depending on an individual’s overall health condition.
The findings suggest that switching from traditional cigarettes to vaping may not completely remove certain health risks. While alternative nicotine products may reduce exposure to some harmful substances found in cigarette smoke, they may still affect long-term eye health.
Researchers concluded that completely stopping nicotine use may provide greater protection against eye diseases. They emphasized the need for further studies to better understand the long-term effects of vaping and other nicotine alternatives on human health.
In other related news also read Gallup Survey Finds Low Vaping Awareness, Rising Youth Concerns
The study highlights the importance of considering all potential health risks when choosing smoking cessation methods and nicotine replacement options.
