Climate Change’s Unseen Impact on Eye Health

The modern period has acknowledged that the environment is changing and that, although it cannot be eliminated completely, it may be mitigated. People now live in dangerous climates due to man-made atmospheric changes. Particular effects on eye illnesses, however, are little understood, particularly in dry and semi-arid regions where rising air temperatures are anticipated.

Recent research from the CU Department of Ophthalmology highlights a concerning rise in ocular issues linked to climate change. Dr. Malik Y. Kahook, vice chair of translational research, delves into the repercussions of environmental shifts on eye health in a comprehensive review published in Reviews on Environmental Health.

The Ocular Toll of Climate Change

Climate change, often associated with broader ecological consequences. The eyes, being among the body’s most exposed organs, face increasing risks from environmental changes, with climate change emerging as a significant factor. Driven by various environmental elements, ocular health is increasingly under threat, impacting not only the prevalence but also the severity of ocular diseases.

There were previous several studies on how climate change is impacting human eyes. This review encompassed over 2,000 studies, exploring a spectrum of environmental factors, from pollutants to temperature changes. Eye conditions such as cataracts, uveitis, glaucoma, and retinal problems were scrutinized, with a notable emphasis on ocular surface conditions like dry eye and conjunctivitis.

Visible and Invisible Culprits 

Human health is also conditioned by air quality, particularly when it comes to contaminants other than carbon dioxide. While certain environmental triggers, like the aftermath of wildfires, were anticipated, the study also uncovered subtler connections. Furthermore, high concentrations of aerodynamic particles (PM10, PM2.5) have been linked to acute pollution events, which are linked to high atmospheric stability, heatwaves, and droughts. Lastly, a number of ocular surface issues, including damage to the cornea and conjunctiva, as well as a number of illnesses including cataracts, glaucoma, conjunctivitis, and dry eye, have all been linked to poor air quality.

Climate Change Impact on Ocular Diseases

An emerging concern lies in the vulnerability of ocular health to these evolving climatic patterns. From the threat of cataracts intensified by UV radiation to the spread of eye infections fueled by rising temperatures, the eyes are becoming increasingly susceptible to the consequences of a changing climate. 

Early research establishes a link between increased trachoma infections and high temperatures exacerbated by climate change. Elevated temperatures and low rainfall contribute to the spread of this eye infection.

Read more – Trachoma (who.int)

On the other hand, predicted changes in rainfall patterns, causing floods and droughts, are expected to contribute to food insecurity, leading to a rise in vitamin A deficiency. This deficiency is linked to ocular issues.

Loss of the ozone layer and heightened UV rays due to global warming can contribute to the onset and acceleration of cataracts. Also, traffic-related air pollution is associated with severe allergic eye diseases, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.

Increased extreme weather events due to climate change, such as hurricanes and windstorms, not only cause physical injuries, including eye injuries but also disrupt essential medical facilities and supply chains, limiting access to eye care.

This exploration delves into the intricate relationship between climate change and ocular diseases, shedding light on the urgent need for understanding, awareness, and proactive measures to protect vision in a world undergoing environmental transformation.

Read more – Climate Effects on Health | CDC

The Urgency of Action

Recognizing the immediate need to address the impact of climatic changes on eye health, urgent action is required. As the world grapples with the far-reaching consequences of climate change, acknowledging and addressing its impact on ocular health is crucial to developing strategies that safeguard the eyes of populations worldwide. Vulnerable populations are expected to bear a disproportionate burden. Climate change, by pushing vulnerable communities into extreme poverty, further limits their access to healthcare, exacerbating the prevalence of vision impairment and blindness.

A Call for Environmental Awareness in Healthcare

As the climate shifts, proper eye care demands heightened attention to ocular surface problems, including dryness and irritation caused by air pollution. Dr. Kahook recommends practical measures such as using artificial tears and considering air purifiers in areas with elevated pollution or during events like wildfires. Adopting practices that minimize waste and enhance procedural efficiency, emphasize the importance of learning from other industries to balance environmental stewardship with optimal patient care.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study sheds light on the intricate relationship between climate change and eye health, urging not only individual adaptation but also systemic changes in healthcare practices to address the unseen consequences of our changing environment. The impending climate change guarantees that risks are understood and strives to enhance emergency response and healthcare systems to carry out catastrophe preparation pertinent to mitigating and educating risk communication. The evaluation offers a chance for cloud networking and can enhance knowledge of the relationships between climate change and health.

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With inputs from Nuwandhara Mudalige  –