Study Suggests Switching from Cigarettes to Vaping May Increase Risk of Serious Eye Diseases
Key Developments:
- A large South Korean study found that smokers who switched to vaping had a modestly higher risk of several eye diseases than those who quit nicotine entirely.
- Researchers reported a notably higher risk of diabetic retinopathy among people who switched from cigarettes to smokeless nicotine products.
- Health experts say the findings add to growing evidence that vaping may not eliminate health risks and should not be viewed as harmless.
(News Medical/Fox News) — June 30, 2026: A large-scale South Korean study has raised fresh concerns about the long-term health effects of vaping, suggesting that smokers who replace traditional cigarettes with electronic nicotine products may face a greater risk of developing certain serious eye diseases than those who quit nicotine altogether.
The research, published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology, examined health records of more than 179,000 adults obtained through South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service. Researchers compared former smokers who completely quit nicotine with those who switched to smokeless nicotine products such as electronic cigarettes.
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After carefully matching participants according to age, gender, medical history and lifestyle, scientists followed more than 32,000 comparable individuals for an average of 4.6 years.
“These findings challenge the assumption that substituting noncombustible nicotine or tobacco products for conventional cigarettes is visually harmless,” the researchers noted.
During the study period, researchers recorded 6,328 major eye disease cases, including cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and vision disorders affecting the eye’s ability to focus.
The findings showed that individuals who switched to vaping experienced a 7% higher overall risk of major eye diseases compared with participants who stopped using nicotine entirely. Researchers also reported a 24% higher risk of diabetic retinopathy, a disease that damages blood vessels in the retina and can lead to vision loss.
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In addition, former smokers who transitioned to vaping showed a 7% greater likelihood of developing refractive and accommodation disorders, conditions that affect the eye’s focusing ability.
The research team cautioned that although the findings reveal a significant association, the study does not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship between vaping and eye disease because it was based on retrospective health data.
The people included in the study were divided into two main categories: complete quitters who stopped using all nicotine products, and switchers who transitioned to smokeless tobacco or nicotine products, like vapes.
The researchers stated, “These findings challenge the assumption that substituting noncombustible nicotine or tobacco products for conventional cigarettes is visually harmless.” They also acknowledged that participants’ smoking and vaping habits were self-reported, which may have introduced reporting inaccuracies.
Despite these limitations, the researchers concluded that replacing cigarettes with alternative nicotine products “may not eliminate the risk of certain eye diseases,” highlighting the need for further long-term clinical research.
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Growing concerns over vaping
The study comes amid increasing scientific scrutiny of electronic cigarettes. Around the same period, the American Heart Association (AHA) highlighted additional research suggesting chemicals found in some vaping products may negatively affect cardiovascular health.
According to the AHA, e-cigarette aerosols can contain substances linked to oxidative stress, inflammation and blood vessel damage. The organization also warned that nicotine—whether naturally derived or synthetic—remains highly addictive and can increase blood pressure, heart rate and the long-term risk of cardiovascular disease.
Switching from cigarettes to electronic vapes is often seen as a healthier move, but a large study suggests it could pose a risk to eye health. (iStock)
Dr. Jason J. Rose, representing the American Heart Association, said, “A growing body of research shows that people who use e-cigarettes can be exposed to chemicals that can harm the heart and blood vessels.”
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Public health experts continue to emphasize that while vaping may expose users to fewer harmful chemicals than combustible tobacco, it should not be considered risk-free. Many health organizations recommend evidence-based smoking cessation methods, including approved nicotine replacement therapies and professional counseling, for individuals seeking to quit tobacco use.
The latest findings add to ongoing international research examining the broader health consequences of electronic nicotine products and reinforce calls for further studies into their long-term effects on vision and overall health.
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