Global Temperature Rise Might Cause Vision Problems in Seniors

The majority of the effects of global warming are straightforward. But here’s an odd one: studies show that elderly persons with substantial eyesight impairments are significantly more likely to reside in regions with higher average temperatures. Findings were published in Ophthalmic Epidemiology. 

The repercussions of global warming are becoming increasingly visible every year. There have already been frightening warnings about human misery as the earth bakes, forecasts that we’ll break worldwide temperature records in the five years to come, and the knowledge that Europe is warming twice as quickly as the remainder of the world and the Arctic is warming four times as quickly.

Researchers now believe warmer temperatures may have a second, unexpected effect on older folks’ visual deterioration. After reviewing the data of 1.7 million Americans 65 and older, a team of academics from the University of Toronto came to that conclusion. 

The researchers examined the results of the American Community Survey, a compilation of data via questionnaires filled out by Americans 65 and older every year between 2012 and 2017. They discovered that those who resided in US counties with median temperatures of 60 °F (15.5 °C) or higher were 44% more likely to suffer from severe vision impairment than people who resided in counties with an average temperature of 50 °F (10 °C) or below.  

The relationship was stronger for white men between the ages of 65 and 79 than for women, people above 80, or black Americans. In response to the inquiry, “Is the individual blind or does he/she/it have significant trouble seeing even with glasses?” the vision impairments were self-reported. 

According to the lead author, Professor Esme Fuller-Thomson, “This connection between vision impairment with average county temperature is particularly worrying if subsequent study confirms that the connection is causal.” We anticipate an increase in global temperatures as a result of climate change. It will be crucial to watch for future rises in the prevalence of vision impairment in older persons. 

Fuller-Thomson and her coworkers acknowledge that they are unsure why this connection exists. According to specific theories, people who reside in warmer regions may be more exposed to UV light, which can harm the eyes or may have lower quantities of folic acid. This vitamin degrades as the temperature rises.

Folic acid is a crucial vitamin for maintaining good eye tissue, and it has been demonstrated that supplementation (together with vitamin B) can help prevent macular degeneration.

Consequently, its absence could impair eyesight. However, scientists still need clarification on the phenomenon and intend to further look into the connection between air temperatures and health. Fuller-Thomson said, “We were pleasantly surprised when we found this strong connection between temperature and vision impairment.”

“However, this groundbreaking discovery raises more issues than it resolves, including the nature of the link between the mean county temperature and visual impairment. We will continue to investigate if other disabilities, such as hearing issues and limitations on daily activities, are also linked to county temperature in older persons.