Smokers Who Switch To Vaping: Korea University Tracked 32,316 Former Smokers For 4.6 Years And Found Diabetic Retinopathy Risk Rose By 24%
According to ProPakistani, a study by Korea University College of Medicine published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology has found that former smokers who switched to vaping or other non-combustible nicotine products still face a meaningfully higher risk of serious eye disease than those who quit nicotine entirely.
Researchers analyzed national health insurance data from 32,316 former smokers followed for an average of 4.6 years. During that period, 6,328 new cases of eye disease were recorded. The incidence rate was 41.1 cases per 1,000 person-years among those who quit nicotine completely, compared with 44 cases per 1,000 person-years among those using nicotine alternatives including e-cigarettes.
After adjusting the data, users of alternative nicotine products had a 7% higher overall risk of developing eye disease. The strongest link was with diabetic retinopathy, where nicotine alternative users faced a 24% higher risk. They also showed increased risk of disorders affecting the eye’s ability to focus.
Researchers concluded that switching from cigarettes to vaping may not eliminate the risk of eye disease, and that completely stopping nicotine use may offer greater long-term protection for eye health.
Quitting smoking for a vape is not quitting. It is renegotiating the terms of the damage. Check out our previous coverage of health and consumer research here.
