🧪 Microplastics Found in the Eye: What You Should Know
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Story at a Glance
A new study has confirmed the presence of microplastics in the human vitreous humor—the gel-like substance inside the eye.
Researchers analyzed samples from 49 patients with common eye diseases, including retinopathy, retinal detachment, macular holes, and epiretinal membranes.
Using advanced technology, scientists identified 1,745 plastic particles, most under 50 microns in size. The most common were nylon 66, PVC, and polystyrene.
Patients with higher microplastic levels also showed increased intraocular pressure and more eye opacities—possible early signs of inflammation or disease progression.
Microplastics may trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, and disruption of normal eye function, especially in people already managing eye conditions.
🧠 Why This Matters for Eye Health
If you have an eye condition like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or macular degeneration, your eyes are already under stress. The discovery of microplastics in the eye raises important concerns:
These plastics might worsen oxidative damage, which is a known driver of many vision problems, including cataracts and AMD.
They may trigger inflammatory changes, silently accelerating damage to delicate eye structures.
They could interfere with fluid balance and nutrient exchange inside the eye, especially affecting the retina and optic nerve.
This is the first human study to confirm that plastic pollution is not just a global environmental issue—it’s a personal eye health issue, too.