Connect with us

Press Releases

AOA Supports Smoking Education, Cessation Efforts Amid Vaping Ban

Hundreds of people have been sickened by mysterious lung illnesses and teenage vaping continues to rise.

mm

Published

on

(PRESS RELEASE) Amid billowing health concerns around vaping, the American Optometric Association (AOA) is raising awareness of the importance of patient education on vision and eye health complications that are linked to or exacerbated by smoking.

This is following the administration’s announcement that it would ban the sale of most flavored e-cigarettes, at a time when hundreds of people have been sickened by mysterious lung illnesses and teenage vaping continues to rise. Hundreds of serious respiratory cases compounded by six deaths prompted this strong federal response into electronic cigarettes as health authorities go after the “safe alternative” to cigarettes.

Although e-cigarettes don’t contain many of the cancer-causing byproducts of cigarette smoke, evidence now suggests there could be ocular health considerations.

Published in September’s Optometry and Vision Science, a small-scale study of 21 vapers and 21 healthy nonsmokers found moderate-to-severe symptomatic dry eye and poorer tear film quality among the former as opposed to the latter. Additionally, researchers noticed significant reductions of noninvasive tear breakup time, fluorescein breakup time and tear meniscus height among vapers while vaping at higher voltages.

Dan Bintz, O.D., AOA Health Promotions Committee member, says doctors of optometry and staff need to continue thinking beyond the eye when it comes to tobacco use. That includes reinforcing patient education of smoking’s negative health consequences, as well as directing smokers to tobacco cessation resources.

For more information, visit here.

Advertisement

SPONSORED VIDEO

Meet the Next Generation of Smart Glasses

Ray-Ban Meta is now available with a full range of lenses, as a complete pair or edged lens. Prescription orders eligible through select insurance providers, including Eyemed and private pay. The Ray-Ban Meta collection combines iconic design with cutting-edge technology. Capture life’s best moments and livestream to Facebook and Instagram with an upgraded 12 MP camera and five-mic system. Stay connected with hands-free calls and messages. Listen to your favorite tracks through built-in speakers. Spark your creativity, get information and control your glasses with your voice – powered by Meta AI. All while keeping your phone in your pocket. For more information, visit here.

Promoted Headlines

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe

INVISIONMAG.COM
BULLETINS

Get the most important news and business ideas for eyecare professionals every weekday from INVISION.

Facebook

Most Popular