Non-tobacco nicotine use and the risk of cataract development.

PURPOSE: To examine the relationship between non-tobacco nicotine product (NTNP) exposure and the risk of cataract development and cataract surgery.

DESIGN

A retrospective analysis of aggregated healthcare data within the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network

METHODS

We identified patients with documented exposure to NTNPs (n = 107,462) and control patients (n = 2,512,152) without exposure. NTNP exposure was defined as having had a vaping-related or unspecified nicotine dependence diagnosis. Patients with pre-existing lens disorders, ocular trauma, or procedures were excluded. Propensity score matching (1:1) was performed, accounting for demographics, cataract risk factors, and comorbidities. We assessed the risk of developing cataracts and receiving cataract surgery. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

After PSM, the exposure and control groups had mean ages of 50.8 ± 15.7 vs 51.8 ± 16.8 years, 61% vs 62% White, and 50% vs 50% female. Compared to matched controls (n = 106,116), patients exposed to NTNPs (n = 106,116) had an increased risk of developing cataracts (HR 2.21; 95% CI 2.12-2.31). Of the patients who received a cataract diagnosis, NTNP exposure was associated with higher risk of receiving cataract surgery (HR 2.93; 95% CI 2.77-3.09) within 5 years.

CONCLUSION

NTNP usage may be associated with cataract development. Given their widespread use in recent years, they may pose considerable public health risks, and it would be prudent to further investigate their relationship with cataracts.