Why new generation people suffering from eye disease
In 2018, the number of people affected by age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma reached 64.8 million and 28.5 million, respectively.
These are the two most common causes of irreversible vision loss among the population. According to research, the number of people living with AMD will double by 2040.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has called this an "epidemic of ancient proportions." While we may not yet consider AMD and glaucoma amongst the major causes of death, the impact of these terrible diseases on quality of life cannot be overlooked.
How did we get here? Why are more and more people falling victim to these common eye diseases?
The Impact of Global Warming on Our Eye Health
One factor that could be increasing the risk of developing these diseases is global warming. As the world gets warmer, the environment in which we live plays a crucial role in maintaining our health. Warming temperatures have been associated with an increase in the incidence of eye disease.
A 2015 study from UCL published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that "permanent exposure to increased temperatures is likely to lead to an overall increase in eye diseases in people."
They continue: "Future projections suggest that heat waves are likely to become more frequent and severe, resulting in even greater potential for eye disease."
So, if you're one of the millions of people around the world who already suffer from or are at risk of developing one of these diseases, how can you protect your sight?
Vitamin A
Let's begin with vitamin A. The Vitamin A Society notes that vitamin A deficiency can lead to serious eye problems. If you're not getting the nutrients you need in sufficient amounts from food sources, you might consider taking a vitamin A supplement. Some recommended daily amounts (RDA) for vitamin A are as follows:
- 800 mcg for infants
- 1,600 mcg for children
- 3,200 mcg for adults
The Vitamin A Society recommends that individuals with risk factors for vitamin A deficiency (VAD), such as low vitamin A status, infection, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors, should be considered for supplementation.
Why should you be concerned about vitamin A deficiency? According to the Vitamin A Society, VAD is "one of the leading preventable causes of blindness globally." Without sufficient vitamin A, the immune system becomes weakened, leaving the body more susceptible to infection and disease. This also affects the vision, as these same organs are needed to see clearly. A weakened immune system can also lead to autoimmunity, resulting in the body attacking its own tissues. VAD is also "a leading cause of dry eyes," causing damage to the eye's natural tears film. If you suffer from dry eyes, you might consider looking into vitamin A as a possible solution.
Folate
Folate is another nutrient that is vital to our health. According to the National Health Service (NHS), folate "plays a crucial part in the production of DNA, which cells use to replicate." The NHS continues: "Folate is also necessary for the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis), which is important in healing injuries and recovering from illness."
A team of researchers at Tufts University School of Medicine investigated the relationship between eye disease and folate. They retrospectively evaluated the medical records of 4,500 patients and found that "those with low folate status were significantly more likely to have suffered from myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), and glaucoma." In fact, patients with low folate levels were four times more likely to develop glaucoma, and three times more likely to suffer from myopia or hyperopia.
So, if you're one of the many millions of people around the world who already suffer from or are at risk of developing one of these diseases, how can you protect your sight?
Toxins
Toxins are substances that can damage the body. They can be found in the environment or produced by microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi. Different toxins affect the body in different ways. Some are mildly toxic, while others are extremely dangerous. We need to be aware of the toxins that affect our eyes, so that we can minimize our exposure and reduce our risk of developing eye diseases.
A study published in 2017 in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that exposure to environmental toxins, such as toxic metals and organophosphates, can result in or aggravate eye diseases. Lead, arsenic, and cadmium, for example, are known to be highly toxic to the human eye. These heavy metals are often found in batteries and fuel tanks, which are the main sources of eye damage for those who live or work in areas where there is heavy industry. Arsenic is a known human carcinogen. Exposure to arsenic has been associated with a higher risk of developing glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy.
Organophosphates are another type of toxin that can cause or worsen eye diseases. These chemicals are present in insecticides and herbicides and, despite their innocuous appearance, can be extremely dangerous. For example, nerve agent sarin and its more reactive derivative, soman, have been used in warfare. These toxins permanently damage the acetylcholine receptors in the brain, resulting in paralysis and sometimes death. However, research shows that even low levels of exposure to organophosphates can cause or exacerbate neurological damage, such as eye disease.
If you're one of the millions of people around the world who already suffer from or are at risk of developing one of these diseases, how can you protect your sight? Educate yourself on the toxins that affect your eye health. Be aware of the risk factors and try to minimize your exposure to toxins, including those found in pesticides.
Poor Education
Poor education can also contribute to the pandemic of eye disease. If you're not well-versed in ophthalmology (eye disease), it might be hard to understand the warning signs of certain eye diseases. There is also a lack of understanding about the impact that these diseases have on the patient's life. If you're not familiar with the disease, how can you seek help or advice when you're suddenly faced with a serious eye problem?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "effective education about health needs to be based on a good understanding of people's real needs and capabilities. It should be comprehensive, appropriate, and practical, and address issues of concern directly and objectively."
If you're one of the millions of people around the world who already suffer from or are at risk of developing one of these diseases, how can you protect your sight?
Lack Of Exercise
Another factor that could be diminishing the quality of our vision is a lack of exercise. According to the WHO, insufficient levels of physical activity "contribute to the worldwide burden of non-communicable diseases, including some that affect the eye."
A study from Oxford University published in 2017 in the British Journal of Opthalmology found that "low physical activity is associated with a wide range of ocular diseases, many of which are increasing in prevalence. These findings provide further support for the link between low physical activity and poor eye health and highlight the importance of addressing this issue."
If you're one of the millions of people around the world who already suffer from or are at risk of developing one of these diseases, how can you protect your sight? Get moving! Find ways to exercise regularly, such as taking a walk, riding a bike, dancing, or playing sports. Even a simple game of soccer can increase your heart rate and get your muscles moving. You might also consider taking up a sport that requires hitting a ball, such as baseball, golf, or tennis.
Infectious Agents
Infectious agents can also contribute to the epidemic of eye disease. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi are the primary causes of infections. Different types of infections affect the eye in different ways. Some, like fungal infections, can appear without any obvious cause. Others, like bacterial infections, are more easily identified and identified as the cause. Which ones are the most common causes of infectious eye disease?
A 2016 study published in the American Journal of Ophthalmology found that the most common cause of infectious eye disease was viral, with 55% of cases attributed to this particular type of agent. The next most common cause was bacterial, accounting for 26% of viral-associated cases. Fungal infections accounted for only 11% of cases.