Gender disparities in acute nicotine effects on choroidal thickness and retinal nerve fiber layer: comparing smoking cessation aids

مقال فى مجلة

2025

Aim: 

The aim of this study was to assess potential gender-specific variations in the acute effects of 4 mg nicotine consumption through both nicotine gum and electronic cigarettes on choroidal thickness (ChT) and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL).

Materials and Methods: 

A prospective cross-sectional study enrolled 20 visually healthy participants (14 males, 6 females) aged 19–30 years. Participants underwent ChT and RNFL measurements using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography before and after consuming 4 mg of nicotine through gum or electronic cigarette. Measurements were taken at specified intervals over two visits.

Results: 

ChT demonstrated significant regional variation, with reduced measurements in the nasal and perifoveal areas compared to the subfoveal region. RNFL thickness also varied significantly among the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal quadrants. Gender-stratified analyses revealed no significant differences in ChT; however, they identified gender-specific between-subject effects on RNFL responses to nicotine consumption methods.

Conclusion: 

ChT regional distinctions and RNFL temporal variations highlight nicotine’s complex ocular effects. Nicotine ingestion methods showed no impact, but gender and its interaction with methods could significantly influence RNFL dynamics. Researchers and clinicians should consider recent nicotine exposure when evaluating RNFL thickness. Future studies should explore nicotine administration modes’ implications for choroidal and retinal health.