Australian researchers found nicotine stimulation inhibited experimental myopia in an avian model.  

Writing in IOVS, University of Canberra researchers said they evaluated the stimulant’s impact on form-deprivation myopia (FDM) and lens-induced myopia (LIM) in white leghorn chicks, through both intravitreal injection and topical application. 

Their results demonstrated both methods of nicotine administration significantly inhibited the development of FDM and LIM, although not in a dose-dependent manner, they said. While most ocular health parameters remained stable after four weeks of topical nicotine treatment, the highest doses temporarily affected cardiorespiratory output, they noted. 

Despite their findings, researchers cautioned against the clinical application of nicotine for myopia management. The substance’s “well-documented side effects and addictive properties” raise concerns about its safety in a therapeutic context, they concluded.