Vaping and vision loss: understanding the hazards of vaping on your vision

Vaping can have adverse effects on your eyes including increasing the risk of cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. It can also cause oxidative stress in the eyes.

How vaping can affect your vision

High nicotine levels are common
Unlike cigarettes, which contain the amount of nicotine that naturally occurs in tobacco, vaping fluid contains extracted nicotine in levels that are uncontrolled and often unknown.  Effects of nicotine on the eye include pupil constriction and reduced retinal activity.

Vaping fluid contains many other chemicals
In addition to nicotine vaping fluid components include acrolein, an aldehyde that severely limits regulatory t-cells – a mechanism, which can cause chronic dry eye disease.

Flavour additives can also cause toxicity to the lungs and directly activate the transit receptor potential of the ocular surface immune system and nerves in the eye again causing dry eye disease.

Some vaping chemicals may also activate the immune mechanism of chronic dry eye disease. Other potential components have additional health implications including nitrosamines, benzaldehyde, benzyl alcohol, propylene glycol and ethylene glycol.

Ingredients are largely unregulated
You can never be sure exactly what you are inhaling and the potential impact of unknown substances on the eyes.

The benefits of quitting vapinging and where to get help

Ceasing vaping can reduce the risk of developing an eye condition that can cause vision loss and slow down the damage caused by vaping. Not only does quitting improve your eye health but it is also beneficial to your overall health.

Regular eye tests every 2-3 years are recommended to look after your eye health and stay ahead of any potential vision complications. Book an appointment with your eyecare provider to discuss any questions that you may have about your eye health.

If you need help with quitting vaping visit the Australian Government’s going vape-free guide.

• Download the free My QuitBuddy app – you’ll get personalised information and advice to support you on your quit journey.
• Quitline 137 848 is a confidential phone service. You can talk to a counsellor about ways to quit. In some states and territories you can chat to a counsellor online.

You may wish to speak with your GP about other options such as medication to help you quit vaping and where to get help.