The prevalence and association between electronic cigarette use and dry eye symptom severity among Palestinian university students: a cross-sectional study - Report - MDSpire

The prevalence and association between electronic cigarette use and dry eye symptom severity among Palestinian university students: a cross-sectional study

  • By

  • Zaid Sawaftah

  • Ahmad Sawafta

  • Ali Bani Odah

  • Marah Abu Zant

  • Hamza Abualhasan

  • May 27, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: E-Cigarette Consumption and Dry Eye Symptoms in Students

Overview

This study examines the prevalence of e-cigarette use and its association with dry eye symptoms among Palestinian university students. Findings indicate a notable prevalence of both e-cigarette use and dry eye symptoms, highlighting a potential public health concern.

Background

Dry eye symptoms are prevalent among young adults and can significantly impact visual function and quality of life. The rise of e-cigarette use among this demographic raises concerns about potential ocular health risks. Understanding the relationship between e-cigarette consumption and dry eye symptoms is crucial for informing health promotion strategies.

Data Highlights

No numerical data provided in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Dry eye symptoms are characterized by tear film instability and ocular surface inflammation.
  • The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) was used to assess dry eye symptoms in this study.
  • High prevalence of e-cigarette use among Palestinian university students reflects an emerging public health concern.
  • Conventional tobacco smoking is associated with adverse ocular outcomes, including dry eye symptoms.
  • Evidence on the ocular health effects of e-cigarettes remains limited, particularly in non-Western populations.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare professionals should be aware of the potential ocular risks associated with e-cigarette use, particularly in young adult populations. Increased awareness and preventive strategies may be necessary to address this public health issue.

Conclusion

The findings of this study underscore the need for further research on the ocular health effects of e-cigarettes, particularly in diverse populations. Understanding these associations is vital for effective health promotion efforts.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Author(s)/Org, Source, Year -- Title
  2. Henkler and Luch, Archives of Toxicology, 2020 -- Growing Awareness of Toxicological Issues Related to E-Cigarettes and Vaping
  3. American Journal of Epidemiology, 2023 -- Transitions in Vaping and the Emergence of Depressive Symptoms in Young Adults
  4. Contact Lens Spectrum, 2011 -- Dry Eye Dx and Tx
  5. TFOS DEWS III: Diagnostic Methodology, ScienceDirect, 2025
  6. The Impact of Vaping on the Ocular Surface: A Systematic Review of the Literature
  7. Evaluating the impact of smoking on the risk of dry eye disease, Scientific Reports, 2024
  8. TFOS DEWS III: Diagnostic Methodology - ScienceDirect
  9. The Impact of Vaping on the Ocular Surface: A Systematic Review of the Literature
  10. Evaluating the impact of smoking on the risk of dry eye disease: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study | Scientific Reports

Original Source(s)

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