As -as global temperature rises and extreme weather incidence occurs more frequent, scientists are warning to emerge, but often ignore public health crisis: the effect of climate change on eye health.

In 2024, the Earth recorded its most average surface temperature, which was an indicator indicator of accelerating climate change. But increasing heat is more than melting the glaciers or drying rivers, it is affecting the human body in an unexpected manner, including the eyes.

When the body temperature rises to 40 ° C, they can give rise to heatstrokes, a dangerous condition that disrupts normal biological functions. A low-following result: damage to natural defense systems of the eye.

These systems usually protect from harmful molecules that can cause inflammation and tissue injury. But under heat stress, these systems begin to fail.

It is only one of the several routes through which climate change is damaging ocular health.

Increasing list of eye conditions

Rising temperatures and irregular weather are increasing the incidence of many eye diseases. Conditions such as conjunctivitis, keratitis (corneal inflammation), dry eye diseases, and peritrysium (a gentle growth on the surface of the eye connected with UV exposure) are becoming increasingly common.

More severe disorders are also increasing. Cataracts, glaucoma, retina troops, periocular tumors, and various infections are now associated with changes in climate.

The high temperature is associated with the increasing risk of the retinal troop, which is a medical emergency that can cause permanent vision loss when not treated immediately.

Meanwhile, dried-driven food insecurity has contributed to nutritional optic neuropathy, resulting in vision loss and, in some cases, in unchanged blindness, 2024 studies in the Journal of Climate Change and Health.

Environment emphasizes eyes

Eyes are quite susceptible to environmental stresses as they are in constant contact with the outside world. Even a subtle change in temperature, humidity or air quality can have immediate effect.

A major concern is the lack of the ozone layer, which filters harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Uncontrolled global warming can cause ozone damage, leading to high levels of UV exposure.

Researchers at the University of Auckland said in a study that around 20% of cataract cases globally have already been attributed to UV radiation. As exposure increases, acute photocotitis (corneal sunburn), photo conjunctivitis, solar retinopathy and other radiation-related conditions are increased.

Air pollution, especially by traffic and urban emissions, reduces further problems. This allergy is associated with eye diseases, age -related spotted degeneration and even glaucoma.

Infections are also developing in response to climate pressures. Tracoma, the major infectious cause of the world’s blindness, is associated with high temperatures and limited water reach, which are deteriorating in both areas, which are the most difficult from climate extremes.

The 2024 study states that countries need to work together how extreme weather, rising temperature, and lack of food affect our vision.

According to a lenset report, future research should also consider that inequality is often inherent in historical and colonial heritage, affecting the disease patterns.

Climate change is often seen through growing seas or lenses of fading forests. But understanding its effects on our body and our eyes can help in taking precautions and strengthening treatment.