Fifty years ago, the medical community was slow to accept that smoking was harmful. Now, concerns are being raised about micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) – tiny fragments of plastics that enter our bodies through food, air, and water.
Research has shown that these small pieces can accumulate in various parts of the body, including the eye. A recent study published in 2024 found microplastics in human vitreous and aqueous specimens, linked to increased intraocular pressure (IOP) and retinopathy. Age-related macular degeneration is also being studied for its possible link to polystyrene and other MNPs.
While the direct causal relationship between MNPs and these diseases has not been fully established, there is already correlation between exposure and disease progression. The medical field has a responsibility to raise awareness, reduce production, and fund research on this topic.
As individuals, we can take action by reducing our plastic consumption and supporting initiatives like the EyeSustain Pledge. By working together, we can ensure that our successors inherit a better understanding of the impact of microplastics on human health.
References:
– Li X, et al. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int. 2024;doi:10.1007/s11356-024-34822-5.
– Plastic & Health: The Hidden Costs of a Plastic Planet. https://www.ciel.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Plastic-and-Health-The-Hidden-Costs-of-a-Plastic-Planet-February-2019.pdf.
– The surgical facility pledge. https://www.eyesustain.org/facility-pledge.
– Zhong Y, et al. Sci Total Environ. 2024;doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.171109.
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Source: https://www.healio.com/news/ophthalmology/20250407/blog-whats-floating-in-your-vitreous-plastic-partially