Ocular surface assessment and morphological alterations in meibomian glands with non-contact meibography in electronic cigarette smokers.

Introduction:
This article explores the impact of electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) smoking on the ocular surface and meibomian gland morphology. The study compares e-cigarette smokers and non-smoker controls using Sirius meibography, tear breakup time test, Schirmer II test, and the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire.

Key Points:

* The mean e-cigarette smoking duration was 4.9 ± 0.9 years.
* The mean Schirmer II test value was significantly lower in the e-cigarette group (9.16 ± 2.09 mm) compared to the control group (11.20 ± 2.14 mm).
* Mean tear breakup time was significantly lower in the e-cigarette group (6.96 ± 2.31 seconds) compared to the control group (9.84 ± 2.13 seconds).
* The mean OSDI value was significantly higher in the e-cigarette group (28.60 ± 6.54) compared to the control group (15.16 ± 7.23).
* The average loss for the upper eyelid was significantly higher in the e-cigarette group (23.08% ± 6.55%) compared to the control group (17.60% ± 4.94%).
* The average loss for the lower eyelid was significantly higher in the e-cigarette group (27.84% ± 5.98%) compared to the control group (18.44% ± 5.91%).
* a significant positive correlation was identified between the loss rates for both upper and lower eyelid meibography with e-cigarette smoking duration.

Main Message:
The study suggests that long-term e-cigarette smoking causes damage to the meibomian glands, which should be considered in ocular surface disorders due to e-cigarette smoking. The study highlights the potential ocular health risks associated with e-cigarette use and emphasizes the need for further research in this area. The findings also underscore the importance of including ocular assessments in studies examining the health effects of e-cigarette use.

Kalayci M, Cetinkaya E, Yaprak L, et al. Ocular surface assessment and morphological alterations in meibomian glands with non-contact meibography in electronic cigarette smokers. arquivos brasileiros de oftalmologia. Published online May 9, 2022. doi:10.5935/0004-2749.20230069