Improvement in visual performance after nicotine gum administration in tobacco use disorder: a case report

Abstract

Chronic tobacco consumption, identified as Tobacco Use Disorder (TUD), is a public health problem. We present a case report of a 37-year-old Brazilian male diagnosed with TUD at age 26, with no comorbidities, that presented visual improvements (i.e., lower thresholds and better discrimination) after nicotine gum administration. Here, we assessed contrast sensitivity and chromatic discrimination using the Metropsis and the Cambridge Colour Test, respectively. Results showed lower thresholds for both visual tasks after the use of nicotine gum. Even considering this is a single case report, our intent is to open new avenues for research involving smoking, addiction and the use of nicotine gum as a replacement tool or adjuvant tool for improvement of visual and/or cognitive processing. It is well known that nicotine gum has protective effects for some diseases, and improves some cognitive functions. However, unclear were its effects on visual processing of people with TUD.

Keywords:

• Tobacco use disorder
• addiction
• color vision
• contrast sensitivity
• case report

Funding

The National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), Brazil (305258/2019-2; 163780/2020-0), and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES) supported this study.

Disclosure statement

There were no conflict of interests.