The Eyes Have It
- sjpdragonlady
- May 9, 2024
- 9 min read
Updated: Jul 16, 2024
University of Colorado Anschutz Department of Ophthalmology
ZZ Top: Cheap Sunglasses
Does our environment contribute to eye disease?
The cornea is the most sensitive structure in the human body because it has so many nerves in its surface, so it is extremely sensitive to environmental agents. The eyes defend against potentially harmful external material with only a thin film of tears. Because they don't have much protection, human eyes are susceptible to the adverse effects of air pollution. There are many reports that the frequency of eye disease varies with environmental conditions and exposures. Specialists suggest that eye disease can be triggered by exposures to a wide spectrum of environmental triggers, including elevated temperatures, droughts, forest fires, floods, pouring rain, water pollution, air pollution, water-borne diseases and other triggers such as ozone, greenhouse gases, acidifying agents, and organic pollutants. It is suspected that ultraviolet radiation on the surface of the Earth may increase 2% for every 1 degree Celsius increase in ambient temperature; ultraviolet radiation directly harms our eyes. One study found that people living in countries with average temperatures of 55–60°F have a 24% higher chance of severe vision impairment than those in counties with average temperatures below 50°F.
UCLA Health
Residents of highly polluted areas are more than 8% more likely to be diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration
Eye infections like ocular herpes simplex are more common in people who spend more time outdoors, particularly during times when there is more ultraviolet light
Cataracts occur up to 2.5 times more often in people who are exposed to UVB radiation from the sun, and are decreased in people who wear sunglasses when they are outdoors
Glaucoma is up to 11% more frequent in people who spend lots of time outdoors, especially in areas with higher levels of air pollution
Retinal detachments are almost 2.5 times more common during heatwaves due to the effects of heat on inflammation in corneal cells
How does the environment affect our eyes?
New England Journal of Medicine
Poor air quality (from fires or air pollution) leads to oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, which harms the surface of the eye, leading to problems such as corneal damage, conjunctivitis, cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis, retinal layer thinning, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and dry eye syndrome
UV radiation (when not screened out appropriately by the damaged ozone layer or at high elevations) can contribute to corneal burns, macular degeneration, loss of vision, pingueculae and pterygia (growths on the surface of the eye), and cataracts
Dry air (from excessive wind or high environmental temperatures) can cause chronic dry eyes, decreasing tear production and making people more sensitive to eye problems like blepharitis and eyelid inflammation
Car exhaust gases, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide, increase the risk of age-related macular degeneration, leading to blurred vision, loss of central vision and color perception
Poor nutrition leads to vitamin deficiency (particularly vitamin A), which can lead to blindness in children under the age of 5 years
Poor hydration can decrease the protective tear film on the eye and make it more susceptible to damage from air pollution and UV radiation
High levels of air pollutants can restrict normal blood flow to the eye, causing serious eye conditions, such as retinal vein occlusions and eye strokes
prolonged use of wood or charcoal smoke for cooking increases the risk of eye scarring and blindness
dust, mold, soot, and pollen can cause eye allergies, including symptoms such as redness, gritty sensations, burning, itching, mucus discharge, and watering
the most dangerous air pollutants can cause cancer of the eyes
Ozone Molecule
Adobe Stock
The most common issue people experience due to air pollution is dry eye syndrome. Dry eye disease (DED) is one of the most common eye problems associated with environmental conditions, affecting approximately one in 11 people worldwide. It occurs when the eye isn't able to produce enough tears, and, as a result, it can't be moistened and nourished properly. Redness, soreness, and inflammation appear, and the eyes become sensitive to light, wind, and smoke. Recent estimates suggest that up to 40 million people in the USA have DED. The cost of treating DED globally was $5.22 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $6.54 billion by 2027. The direct (treatment) and indirect (reduced productivity) cost of DED in the United States alone is estimated at US $73.12 billion annually, equating to US $15,596 per person.
CorneaCare
Is eye disease really that common?
Eye disease is increasing over time, leading to significant person and economic burdens. The risk of vision loss is 44% higher in populations living in warmer regions. The World Health Organization reports that more than 28% of the world’s population is visually impaired and almost half of this is preventable. It has been estimated that the total cost of health care for visual impairment in 2010 reached $1100 billion globally, and that 36.5% of this expenditure is attributable to the increase in eye diseases due to environmental factors related to climate change. Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness in the world, and affect nearly 20.5 million Americans age 40 and older. The World Health Organization estimates that 20% of cataracts (affecting 4.1 million Americans) are caused by overexposure to UV radiation.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
When is the highest risk for eye disease?
Medical News Today
Springtime is hard on the eyes. When it starts to get warmer, there is more pollen, ozone and air pollution in the air. (As the environment gets warmer, pollen is produced over a longer period of time, and allergy season gets longer!) As the weather improves and we spend more time outdoors, our eyes are exposed to those irritants, also including UV radiation. This can lead to problems ranging from allergic conjunctivitis to cataracts to glaucoma. The spring may be windier, which dries out the eyes, leading to dry eye disease. In many regions, springtime is known for having extremely variable and unpredictable weather, which can also harm the eyes. All of these factors lead to a higher rate of eye disease.
iStock
In the summer, there is even more heat, with higher concentrations of dense, polluted air. Wildfires and campfires produce dirty, smoky air, eventually leading to poor eye health. Many people road trip during summer vacation, and when the sun's heat reacts with vehicle exhausts, ozone is generated. Ozone is a major threat to eye health. A significant level of eye irritation occurs for up to four hours after exposure to pollutants such as car emissions and ozone. Exhaust includes oxidants such as cyclohexane, which can dissolve in the tear film and acidify it, further irritating the eye's mucous membrane. These issues particularly contribute to macular degeneration and cataracts, but increase the risk of many other eye diseases.
Cyclohexene
PubChem
What symptoms indicate an eye problem?
Burning and redness sensations
Irritation
Watering
Discharge
Allergy symptoms with severe itching, redness, discharge, swelling of the eyes, and difficulty in opening the eyes
Infections
Gritty sensation or pain
Visual difficulties, including refractive errors and impaired color vision
Blurred vision
East Carolina Optometric Care
What are the most severe symptoms of eye disease?
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Remember: Some serious eye problems don't cause any symptoms in the beginning, and the only way to diagnose and treat them early is to get regular screening eye exams!
Shutterstock
If you have any concerns about your vision,
please see your ophthalmologist or optometrist quickly!
How can I prevent eye disease?
Dreamstime Stock Photos
Rochester Eye Center's strategies for keeping the "elements out of your eyes":
Install air filters, humidifiers or a purification system in your home and office.
Eat right—fish, legumes, leafy greens, carrots, proteins, and fruits provide proper nutrition for healthy eyes. Eye-specific vitamin supplements are also available.
If you wear contact lenses, clean them thoroughly, at least once a day. Soak lenses in saline solution for at least 6 hours before wearing.
Close windows on hazy, smoky days. If you’re in the car, use the air recirculation button (it’s the button with an arrow turning around) to keep the outside air outside.
Linda Vision suggests the following to protect your eyes:
Routinely check weather forecasts for air quality – you should check your local weather forecasts every time before heading out. If the air quality in your region appears poor, consider rescheduling your activity or using protective eye equipment.
Cover your eyes – eye glasses or sunglasses can protect your eyes from most air pollutants. Those with overly sensitive eyes should consider wrapping protective clothing around their eyeglasses for added protection.
Use eyeglasses instead of contact lenses – while contact lenses are prescribed to improve vision, eyeglasses are an excellent alternative. Contact lenses can trap particles in the eye, increasing the risk of developing conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome. If you can’t do without contact lenses, wear them minimally. You should also observe good contact lens hygiene.
Apply eye drops – you should lubricate your eyes to keep them moist and reduce dry eye symptoms.-- or use gel at night
Increase indoor humidity – a humidifier increases moisture in your home and prevents dry eye syndrome.
Blink frequently – frequent blinking keeps your eyes moist and nourishes the eyes.
See an optometrist – you should contact your optometrist if you have experienced recurring irritation and inflammation.
Ember Opinion:
I researched three different brands of sun glasses that were polarized, cost less than $25, and had ratings of at least 4 stars. The things I considered were how they look, how comfortable they are, how durable they are, and how much they cost. The three glasses that stuck out to me were pairs by SOJOS, KALIYABI, and DUCO. SOJOS glasses look stylish and come in 20 different colors for the lens and frame, they are light weight and comfortable, but are flimsy and can scratch, and cost $15.99. KALIYABI glasses look high end, appeals to all sexes, and come in 50 different frame and lens combinations. They are also comfortable, don't break easily, have shatter proof lenses, and cost $14.39 to $21.00. DUCO glasses come in at least 20 different options for the color of the frame and lenses and are semi-rimless. The are comfortable, light weight, good for sports because they curve around the face, not letting them slip off. They do have rubber on the ear pieces making them stick to long hair. They also have quality materials and are scratch resistant. In my opinion KALIYABI glasses are the best because they have the most color options for screen and lens, they are the cheapest, they are durable, and they don't stick to your hair.
How can I help decrease air pollution?
TeamTrees
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources Suggests:
Drive your car less. Instead of driving every day to work, try carpooling, bicycling, using public transportation or walk, if possible.
Reduce gas consumption. Plan ahead and consolidate errands and trips to reduce the amount of miles driven. When purchasing a new vehicle, consider vehicles that run efficiently and provide the best gas mileage.
Keep your car in good repair. Maintain your vehicles emissions control systems. The check engine light may indicate a problem with your vehicles emissions control system resulting in higher emissions and lower performance. Also, be sure to keep your tires inflated to the suggested amount.
Turn off your engine. An idling vehicle creates air pollution. Turn off your engine while waiting in drive-through lines and especially school or daycare drop-off zones.
Stop at the click. When filling your vehicle's fuel tank, stop at the click to avoid releasing dangerous fumes.
Fuel your vehicle in early or late hours. In the heat of the summer, it helps reduce air pollution if vehicles are refueled in the early or late hours of the day rather than mid-day with the temperatures are the highest.
Don't burn your trash. Burning your household trash can affect air pollution. Learn more by reading the Open Burning information below.
Plant and care for trees. Trees filter pollutants and absorb carbon dioxide. Trees also release oxygen into the atmosphere and help cool our homes.
iStock
EPA: Actions You Can Take to Reduce Air Pollution
Follow these Tips Every Day to Reduce Pollution:
Conserve energy - at home, at work, everywhere.
Look for the ENERGY STAR label when buying home or office equipment.
Carpool, use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible.
Follow gasoline refueling instructions for efficient vapor recovery, being careful not to spill fuel and always tightening your gas cap securely.
Consider purchasing portable gasoline containers labeled “spill-proof,” where available.
Keep car, boat, and other engines properly tuned.
Be sure your tires are properly inflated.
Use environmentally safe paints and cleaning products whenever possible.
Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste.
Consider using gas logs instead of wood.
On Days when High Ozone Levels are Expected, Take these Extra Steps to Reduce Pollution:
Choose a cleaner commute - share a ride to work or use public transportation.
Combine errands and reduce trips. Walk to errands when possible.
Avoid excessive idling of your automobile.
Refuel your car in the evening when its cooler.
Conserve electricity and set air conditioners no lower than 78 degrees.
Defer lawn and gardening chores that use gasoline-powered equipment, or wait until evening.
On Days when High Particle Levels are Expected, Take these Extra Steps to Reduce Pollution:
Reduce the number of trips you take in your car.
Reduce or eliminate fireplace and wood stove use.
Avoid burning leaves, trash, and other materials.
Avoid using gas-powered lawn and garden equipment.
Use these resources to monitor air quality:
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