Scientists have found an association between fungicide use and retinal degeneration in the wives of farmers who are pesticide applicators. Researchers had already found an association with retinal degeneration among the farmers themselves in the Agricultural Health Study, a large study of farm families from Iowa and North Carolina.

Researchers reviewed data from questionnaires given to 31,173 women from 1993 to 1997 to determine whether wives of these farmer pesticide applicators were at increased risk of retinal degeneration. This information was evaluation to determine associations of specific pesticides and groups of pesticides based on function (fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, and fumigants) or chemical structure (organophosphates, organochlorines, and carbamates) with eye disorders.

Their findings suggest that exposure to some fungicides and other pesticides may increase the risk of retinal degeneration; specific fungicides that appeared to drive this association were maneb or mancozeb and ziram.

Study authors noted that although these findings for retinal degeneration are based solely on self-reported disease, they are consistent with those reported for farmer pesticide applicators.

Learn more about macular degeneration at the Natural Eye Care website

SOURCE: Retinal Degeneration and Other Eye Disorders in Wives of Farmer Pesticide Applicators Enrolled in the Agricultural Health Study, Kirrane, et al, American Journal of Epidemiology 2005 161(11):1020-1029; doi:10.1093/aje/kwi140

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Survey by The College of Optometrists finds 76% of parents do not protect their children’s eyes in the sun.

A new survey of 2000 British families shows that parents are risking their child’s eyesight by exposing them to bright sunlight without appropriate protection.  Over three-quarters of parents questioned admitted to not making sure their child wears sunglasses when out in the sun.

Overexposure to sunlight can damage the retina and lens of the eye, increasing the risk of developing cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye conditions later in life.  According to the World Health Organization, up to 80% of exposure to UV over a person’s lifetime occurs before the age of 18, so it is crucial that children wear sunglasses to minimize long-term damage.

The survey found that while 43% of parents ensure their child’s time in the sun is limited and 76% make sure they apply sunscreen to their child, buying sunglasses appears to be a much lower priority:  29% of those questioned do not even buy sunglasses for their children.  Of those who do, only 25% choose sunglasses from a reputable brand or supplier, and 46% of parents surveyed choose price over protection when selecting sunglasses.

Dr Susan Blakeney, optometric adviser at The College of Optometrists, stated: “I am shocked to see that so many parents aren’t ensuring that their child’s eyes are protected in the sun, and am equally astounded to see that of those who do, many are opting for ‘cheap and cheerful’ over quality.”

The College of Optometrists recommends purchasing good quality, dark sunglasses that guarantee a safe level of UV protection.

SOURCE:  Parents Risk their Children’s Eyesight in the Sun, The College of Optometrists, August 18, 2009, http://www.college-optometrists.org/index.aspx/pcms/site.News_and_Events.collegenews.parents_risk_their_childrens_eyesight_in_the_sun/

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A new study provides further evidence that a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
A NIH-funded study group led by Dr. Chi-Chao Chan at the National Eye Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, examined the effect of omega-3 fatty acids on a mouse model of AMD. Mice that were given a diet including high levels of omega-3 fatty acids showed slower retinal lesion progression, with improvement in some lesions.

Study authors suggest that the results “further provide the scientific basis for the application of omega-3 fatty acids and their biologically active derivatives in the prevention and treatment of AMD.”

Excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids include cold water oily fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel, anchovies and sardines.

SOURCE: Tuo J, et al: A high omega-3 fatty acid diet reduces retinal lesions in a murine model of macular degeneration, Am J Pathol 2009 175: 799-807.

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