Researchers in Northeast India discovered that a liquid tobacco product called Tuibur is causing serious eye problems in tribal communities. The study followed 39 people (mostly women) who were losing their vision gradually and painlessly in both eyes. When doctors gave them vitamin B supplements and the patients stopped using Tuibur, their eyesight improved significantly. This is the first research to link this specific liquid tobacco product to eye nerve damage. The findings suggest that certain cultural and dietary practices combined with toxic substances can harm vision, but the damage may be reversible if caught and treated early.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a liquid tobacco product called Tuibur causes damage to the eye nerves that control vision
  • Who participated: 39 people from tribal communities in Northeast India (mostly women, average age 39 years) who were experiencing gradual vision loss in both eyes
  • Key finding: People who used Tuibur and received vitamin B supplements showed significant improvement in their eyesight after three months of treatment. Vision improved in both eyes, and their ability to see different colors and visual fields also got better.
  • What it means for you: If you or someone you know uses liquid tobacco products and is experiencing vision loss, stopping use and taking vitamin B supplements may help restore sight. However, this study was done in a specific population, so results may differ for others. Always see an eye doctor if you notice vision changes.

The Research Details

This was a retrospective study, meaning researchers looked back at patient records and medical histories rather than following people forward in time. They studied 39 consecutive patients who came to the clinic with unexplained, gradual vision loss in both eyes that didn’t cause pain. The researchers asked detailed questions about what patients ate, their medical history, and how often they used Tuibur (a liquid tobacco product). They performed comprehensive eye exams including tests for color vision, visual field mapping (checking what areas of vision work), and imaging of the nerve layer at the back of the eye. All patients received vitamin B supplements, including high-dose B12 (1500 micrograms daily) for three months, and were followed up monthly for three months, then again at six months.

This research design allowed doctors to identify a pattern they hadn’t seen before—a connection between a specific local tobacco product and eye nerve damage. By carefully documenting what patients used and how their eyes responded to treatment, researchers could establish that Tuibur was likely the culprit. The follow-up visits were important to prove that stopping the product and taking vitamins actually improved vision over time.

Strengths: This is the first study identifying this specific problem, which is valuable for public health. All patients had similar symptoms and were from the same communities, making comparisons fair. Weaknesses: The study is relatively small (39 people) and didn’t include a control group of people who didn’t use Tuibur for comparison. It’s a retrospective study, so some information may have been incomplete or from memory. The study was done in one specific region with one ethnic group, so results may not apply everywhere.

What the Results Show

All 39 patients studied were from tribal communities in Northeast India, with 82% being female and an average age of 39.5 years. Nearly all participants (97.4%) reported regular use of Tuibur, a liquid tobacco product. Before treatment, patients had significant vision loss in both eyes. After three months of vitamin B supplementation and stopping Tuibur use, patients showed statistically significant improvement in their eyesight. The improvement was measured in both eyes separately (right eye p=0.002, left eye p=0.007, meaning these results were very unlikely to happen by chance). Patients also showed improvement in their visual fields (the area they could see) and their ability to see colors. These improvements continued or remained stable at the six-month follow-up visit.

The study found that vision loss was bilateral (affecting both eyes equally), which is an important clue that a toxic substance was responsible rather than a local eye problem. The fact that vision loss was gradual and painless meant patients often didn’t seek help until significant damage had occurred. The research also noted that this problem appeared to be concentrated in tribal communities, suggesting that cultural practices and dietary factors may play a role in how Tuibur affects the body.

This is the first research linking Tuibur or similar liquid tobacco products to eye nerve damage (optic neuropathy). Previous studies have shown that other toxic substances and nutritional deficiencies can cause similar eye problems, but Tuibur had not been identified as a cause before. The vitamin B deficiency connection aligns with known research showing that B vitamins are essential for healthy eye nerves. The response to treatment is consistent with other cases of toxic optic neuropathy, where removing the toxin and replacing missing nutrients can restore vision.

The study included only 39 people from one region, so results may not apply to other populations or areas. There was no comparison group of Tuibur users who didn’t receive treatment, so we can’t be completely certain that the improvement was due to the vitamin supplements and stopping Tuibur rather than other factors. Some patients may have had incomplete medical records or may not have accurately remembered their Tuibur use. The study doesn’t explain exactly how Tuibur damages the eye nerve or why it affects some people more than others. Longer follow-up (beyond six months) would help confirm that improvements last.

The Bottom Line

If you use liquid tobacco products like Tuibur and experience gradual vision loss, stop using the product immediately and see an eye doctor. Taking vitamin B supplements (especially B12) under medical supervision may help restore vision. This recommendation is based on this one study of 39 people, so discuss it with your healthcare provider. If you don’t use these products, there’s no reason to start. If you live in an area where Tuibur is used, be aware of this potential health risk.

This research is most relevant to people in Northeast India and other regions where Tuibur or similar liquid tobacco products are used, particularly in tribal communities. Eye doctors should be aware of this connection when evaluating patients with unexplained vision loss. Public health officials in affected regions should consider education campaigns about this risk. People who use any tobacco products should know about potential eye health risks. This may be less relevant to people in areas where Tuibur is not commonly used, though the general principle about toxic substances and eye health applies broadly.

Significant improvement in vision was seen within three months of stopping Tuibur use and starting vitamin B supplements. Some improvement may be noticeable within weeks, but the most meaningful changes appeared by the three-month mark. Vision remained stable or continued to improve at the six-month follow-up. However, if vision loss has been present for a very long time, recovery may be slower or less complete. The longer someone uses Tuibur before seeking treatment, the more permanent damage may occur.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily vision quality using a simple 1-10 scale (1=very blurry, 10=clear vision) for each eye separately. Also note any changes in color vision (difficulty distinguishing colors) and peripheral vision (seeing things at the edges). Record Tuibur use frequency and amount daily to monitor cessation progress.
  • Set a daily reminder to take vitamin B supplements at the same time each day. Create a log to track days without using Tuibur as motivation. Set weekly reminders for eye health check-ins (noticing any vision changes). Schedule monthly follow-up appointments with your eye doctor and log the results.
  • Use the app to create a vision improvement chart showing eyesight scores over weeks and months. Compare monthly eye exam results (visual acuity numbers and visual field tests) to track progress. Monitor correlation between Tuibur cessation and vision improvement. Set alerts for any vision decline that would warrant immediate medical attention. Track vitamin B supplement adherence to ensure consistent treatment.

This research describes a specific health condition found in certain communities using a particular product. If you are experiencing vision loss, gradual or sudden, you should see an eye doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Do not self-diagnose or self-treat based on this article. The findings from this study of 39 people in Northeast India may not apply to all populations or individuals. Stopping any substance or starting any supplement should be done under medical supervision. This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with qualified healthcare providers before making changes to your health routine.