red / sore eyes

[scotiwis]

This might sound strange but throwing it out there anyway. Been vaping for 4 months and in last few months have started having issues with my eyes being red raw and sore. Multiple visits to opticians, they've checked me eyes, changed me to various other contact lenses etc. I only seem to be able to ware my lenses for a few hours and then my eyes get red raw / itchy and have to take them out. When I take them out my eyes start streaming like crazy. Optician and doctor have ruled out eye infections etc. Having worn contact lenses for 15 years without issue I am wondering if vaping might be causing it as there's nothing else that's changed about my lifestyle. I try to drink plenty of water while vaping, vape maybe 3-5ml a day, 18mg cinnamon roll / butterscotch mostly (80/20 PG) from Mt Baker. Does anyone out there have something similar happening?! Thanks

 

[patkin]

Sounds like dry eye to me. I have it and had plugs put in the lower tear ducts to keep tears in them longer. It comes from the tear film breaking up too fast. I'm no doc of course. Dry eye is worse during allergy season and with environmental factors like ac in the car blowing near the face, heater in the car same thing...winter time house heating... anything that drys the eye. I haven't noticed it myself but I suppose getting dehydrated could make it worse. I use Thera Tears which has no irritating preservatives.. worth a try.

 

[SilentScreams]

It could be a multitude of things.

First thing to remember is that your body goes through cellular and chemical changes every 7 years. If this is your 7 year cycle that could be part of the cause. Things you weren't allergic to before you could be now. Allergies are the best explanation for your eye's.

If you think you are getting plenty of water, drink a bit more.

Other than that I am not sure. I have had no issues with my eye's.

 

[Discus10]

I have the same thing going on. Red eyes itchy after about 6 months. Flavors that make it worse are Menthols. It is an allergic reaction per by Dr. I'm using Alaway eye drops which seems to help and drinking lots of water.

 

[BaM14]

I don't get the itchy red eyes but noticed that I feel pressure in the eye when in and around vapors!!

 

[nahoku]

Funny you mention this. I recently thought that my eyes felt drier too since I've been vaping... especially when I spend a long time on my computer and vape at the same time. I already suffer from dry eyes, so when I wear contacts, I can't wear them for long.

PG and VG are humectants. Maybe when you do a "pre-vape" some of it is getting into your eyes and drying them out.

What's a humectant?
Basically, it's any substance or chemical that draws moisture to itself.

Information from THIS thread.

I think a possible reaction from this humectant effect, my speculation only, may also be causing some of my heightened sinus activity. I know for sure my sinuses are affected by vaping and if I stop for a day, my sinuses recover. Of course it could also be an allergic reaction causing my sinuses to act up, but who really knows.

 

[damselle]

Yes, as ppl have mentioned and OP seems to already have a handle on, vaping is drying. I have struggles with red irritated eyes as well that was exacerbated with vaping. I started using an eye wash by Thera tears (much gentler than baby shampoo), and this winter season did not have as much of a problem. I use a cotton swab and really clean around the conjunctiva after removing my eye make up. It helps to keep the ducts from clogging.

Hope that helps!

 

[Bullette the Cowdog]

I had this same problem once when S/O brought home a kitten. Got rid of the kitten. Eyes all better.

Hahaha. Bad dog Bullette! Bad dog. Sit.

PS to OP: I wear glasses whenever possible. Contacts can cause problems for lots of folks.