Woman loses sight in one eye after vaping the night before: Doc explains

After a relaxing night of sleep, a middle-aged woman woke up, only to find that she had no vision in her one eye. She was healthy and didn’t have any lifestyle diseases as such. So what really happened? She vaped the night before. Shocked? Let’s dive deeper.

A real case and real warning

Dr Megha Karnawat, an ophthalmologist, explained about a shocking case where a woman experienced sudden loss of vision in one eye. She detailed a case report from 2022. “A real case. A real warning. A 40-year-old woke up with sudden, painless loss of vision in one eye. No diabetes. No hypertension. No previous eye issues,” the ophthalmologist said.





The doctors were confused as to why the woman lost vision all of a sudden. That’s when the real culprit was unveiled. The woman did heavy vaping the night before and had a 4-year history of vaping.



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What is vaping?

Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol (not water vapor) produced by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or similar device called a vape, according to the Texas Health and Human Services. These devices heat a liquid, called e-liquid or vape juice. This usually contains nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals, turning it into an aerosol that can be inhaled into the lungs. Vaping is similar to smoking a cigarette, but it does not involve burning tobacco.

How does vaping impact the eyes?

In the US, an estimated 2.13 million youths vaped in 2023, according to the CDC. Vaping has a significant effect on eye health. A 2020 study by researchers from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences found that vaping chemicals creates toxic ketene gas, which is lethal at high concentrations, and at lower concentrations, it can irritate the eyes and lungs and impair the central nervous system.

Vaping has the following effects on eyes as per Dr Karnawat.

• Retinal artery spasm

• Reduced blood flow to the optic nerve

• Increased oxidative stress in retinal tissues

• Worsening of existing microvascular problems

• Sudden vision loss (even if you’re “young & healthy”)

Yes, that’s right. Vaping may lead to sudden vision loss, even though you are healthy and in your prime years.

“If you ever experience sudden blurring, a dark curtain, or vision drop, treat it as an EMERGENCY. Vision saved = retina saved,” the ophthalmologist said.

Though many people assume vaping is a safer alternative to traditional smoking, it is important to understand that there are no safe tobacco products, including e-cigarettes.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment, or before changing your diet or supplement regimen.

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