Stress Can Accelerate Vision Loss

Highlights:

Aging of cells is normal, including the cells in the eye
A major risk factor for glaucoma includes the mass aging and death of retinal ganglion cells in the eye //
An animal study suggests that constant stress can make eyesight worse over time

A recent animal study in mice reveals that an ongoing state of stress can gradually impair vision. Chronic stress can prematurely cells in the eye and cause them to degenerate.

The cells in the eye age in the same way that all other cells do. Nonetheless, mass aging and degeneration of retinal ganglion cells in the eye is a significant risk factor for glaucoma. It is predicted that by 2040, there will be over 110 million glaucoma patients worldwide ().

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‘Stress speeds up vision loss by causing eye cells to die faster, according to an animal study conducted in mice.’

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Retinal tissue is subjected to stress like increased intraocular pressure. This can cause epigenetic and transcriptional alterations which are associated with aging. The authors of the study demonstrated that repetitive stress caused the eye tissue to age more quickly in younger retinal tissue. The discoveries might make it possible to target and maintain cellular activity in glaucoma patients.

Repetitive Stress and Visual Impairment

According to researchers, even mild increases in intraocular pressure cause the death of retinal ganglion cells and the resulting visual impairments in old animals. In order to identify possible treatment targets, researchers are still investigating the mechanism of accumulative aging alterations. They are also experimenting with various methods to stop the stress-related acceleration of aging.

The epigenetic changes observed in the study suggest that changes on the chromatin level are acquired in an accumulative way, following several instances of stress. This provides a window of opportunity for the prevention of vision loss, if and when the disease is recognized early.

In healthy people, the intraocular pressure in the eye oscillates between 12 and 21 mmHg every day. Nearly two-thirds of people experience it more frequently at night. A single measurement of intraocular pressure is insufficient to forecast glaucoma patients' disease progression because of the large range of intraocular pressure.

Does Repeated Stress Accelerate Aging of the Eye
Repetitive, mild intraocular pressure elevation can accelerate the epigenetic age of the retinal tissues leading to vision problems if not treated early.

Long-term variations in intraocular pressure are regarded as an indicator of the progression of glaucoma. This prediction is strengthened by the study's findings. Authors contend that the aging of retinal tissue is accelerated not just by oscillations but also by the effects of frequent, mild fluctuations.

The research emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis and prevention as well as age-specific management of age-related diseases, including glaucoma.

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Reference:

Stress induced aging in mouse eye - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36397653/.)

Source-Medindia

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