Abstract
The effects of electronic cigarettes on the ocular surface has yet to be shown. The purpose of the study was to assess the impact of e-cigarette use on the anterior corneal surface integrity. Forty three males and 21 females with an average of 21years were required to vape 0.05ml of e-liquid of 8mg nicotine concentration. Corneal epithelial thickness (CET) and Non Invasive Keratograph Tear Break up Time (NIKBUT) measurements were obtained prior to and post vaping. The Optovue iVue optical coherence topographer was used to measure central; superior; inferior; nasal and temporal CET and NIKBUT was assessed using the Oculus Keratograph 5M. There was a mean increase for central corneal epithelial thickness of 0.3448 microns. The superior CET increased by 0.2414 microns. The inferior CET increased by 0.2931microns. The nasal CET increased by 0.2069 microns. The temporal CET increased by 0.2759 microns. The mean change in NIKBUT post-vaping was an increase of 1.40 seconds. All observations occurred at p > 0.05. The acute effect of e-cigarette use does not impact corneal epithelial thickness and non-invasive keratography tear break up time after 10 puffs mild exposure but more research is needed to assess if this remains the case with more frequent, higher exposure.
Highlights
Cigarette smoking is harmful to users and can have severe effects on the body
The study determined the effect of vaping on corneal epithelial thickness using Optovue iVue optical coherence tomographer (OCT) pachymetry and tear film stability was assessed using Non-Invasive Keratograph Break-up Time (NIKBUT) with the Oculus keratograph 5M
Fifty eight participants had reliable pachymetry scans for corneal epithelial thickness measurements whilst fifty seven scans from topographic data were accepted for Non Invasive Keratograph Tear Break up Time (NIKBUT) as reliable
Summary
Cigarette smoking is harmful to users and can have severe effects on the body. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco is a legal drug that kills many of its users.[1]. Corneal epithelial thickness (CET) and Non Invasive Keratograph Tear Break up Time (NIKBUT) measurements were obtained prior to and post vaping. Results: There was a mean increase for central corneal epithelial thickness of 0.3448 microns. Conclusion: The acute effect of e-cigarette use does not impact corneal epithelial thickness and non-invasive keratography tear break up time after 10 puffs mild exposure but more research is needed to assess if this remains the case with more frequent, higher exposure. A pre-test post-test assessment of non-invasive keratograph break up time and corneal epithelial thickness after vaping.
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