Adults who use e-cigarettes or vape products may face higher odds of several ocular surface diseases (OSD), according to a retrospective analysis of data from the All of Us Research Program.
Researchers analyzed ocular surface disease (OSD) in 371,398 adults with electronic health record data from 2018 to 2023, including 92,246 who completed surveys on e-cigarette use. After matching for demographics, tobacco smoking frequency, and diabetes, the final analysis included 17,513 pairs of electronic smokers and nonusers.
In the matched cohort of 35,026 patients, electronic smokers had significantly higher prevalence of meibomian gland dysfunction (22.4% vs 15.1%), tear-film insufficiency (18.7% vs 12.0%), and dry eye disease (29.8% vs 20.3%) compared with controls (P < 0.05 for all).
Multivariable regression also showed significantly greater odds of these conditions among electronic smokers, with adjusted odds ratios of 1.28 for meibomian gland dysfunction, 2.23 for tear-film insufficiency, and 1.67 for dry eye disease.
Compared with controls, participants who used e-cigarettes “Some Days” had higher odds of meibomian gland dysfunction, tear-film insufficiency, and dry eye disease, while those who reported vaping “Every Day” had the highest odds, including adjusted odds ratios of 1.82 for meibomian gland dysfunction, 2.55 for tear-film insufficiency, and 1.92 for dry eye disease. All associations were significant, and researchers noted a clear frequency-related trend.
Reference
Shah J, et al. National Analysis of the NIH All of Us Research Database on the Effects of Electronic Cigarette and Vape Use on the Ocular Surface. Presented at: ASCRS Annual Meeting; April 10–13, Washington, DC.
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