We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
First evidence of microplastic pollution in human trabecular meshwork and its association with intraocular pressure in glaucoma
Summary
Researchers provided the first quantitative evidence of microplastic pollution in the human trabecular meshwork, the eye tissue responsible for draining fluid and regulating eye pressure. Using multiple analytical techniques, they detected various microplastic polymers in tissue samples from glaucoma patients and found a correlation between microplastic abundance and intraocular pressure. The study suggests that microplastic accumulation in ocular tissues may be associated with changes in eye pressure relevant to glaucoma.
Microplastics (MPs), as pervasive environmental pollutants, have been documented in various human tissues, yet their presence within ocular structures, particularly the trabecular meshwork (TM), and potential pathophysiological roles remain unexplored. To address this, our study aimed to provide the first quantitative evidence of MP pollution in the human TM and investigate its correlation with intraocular pressure (IOP) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). We employed a multi-modal analytical strategy, integrating Pyrolysis-Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for polymer quantification, Laser Direct Infrared Spectroscopy (LD-IR) for particle characterization, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for morphological assessment, to examine trabeculectomy samples from 20 POAG participants under stringent contamination control protocols. Our analysis consistently identified MPs in all TM specimens, with Py-GC/MS data revealing polyamide 66 (PA66, median: 62.03 mg/kg), polyvinyl chloride (PVC, 59.4 mg/kg), and polypropylene (PP, 33.65 mg/kg) as the predominant polymers. Furthermore, LD-IR analysis revealed a diverse profile of 14 polymer types and showed that 76.9% of the detected particles were under 50 μm in size, a dimension relevant to TM pore architecture. Most importantly, after adjustment for confounders such as age and medication use, the total MP burden demonstrated strong and significant correlations with both the maximum recorded IOP prior to any treatment (Spearman's ρ = 0.735, P < 0.001) and the preoperative IOP (ρ = 0.797, P < 0.001). Thus, this work establishes the novel finding of MP accumulation in the human TM and links this environmental exposure to elevated IOP in glaucoma, thereby suggesting a previously unrecognized etiological pathway and underscoring the imperative for further investigation into MP-induced trabecular dysfunction and the mitigation of plastic pollution.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Revealing new insights: Two-center evidence of microplastics in human vitreous humor and their implications for ocular health
In the first multi-center study of its kind, researchers detected microplastics inside the vitreous humor (the gel inside the eye) of 49 patients with various eye diseases, with most particles smaller than 50 micrometers. Higher microplastic levels were linked to concerning eye health measures like increased pressure inside the eye, and patients with retinopathy showed especially elevated levels.
Microplastics and nanoplastics in the ocular environment: Pathways, toxic effects, and future challenges
This review examines how micro- and nanoplastics may enter and affect the human eye, a topic that has received relatively little research attention. Researchers discuss potential exposure pathways, accumulation in ocular tissues, and mechanisms of harm including oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. The study highlights the need for more research on how plastic pollution could impact vision and overall eye health.
Identification of microplastics in human tear fluid and meibum: Implications for dry eye disease pathogenesis
For the first time, researchers confirmed the presence of microplastics in human tear fluid and the oily secretions of the eyelid glands (meibum), with polyethylene being the most common type found. Higher polyethylene levels correlated with worse dry eye disease symptoms. In lab and mouse experiments, polyethylene exposure damaged eye surface cells and triggered inflammation, suggesting airborne microplastics may contribute to dry eye disease.
Impact of Microplastics on the Ocular Surface
This review examines emerging evidence on how microplastics may affect the surface of the human eye. Researchers found that microplastics can potentially trigger inflammatory responses, microbial imbalance, and oxidative stress in ocular tissues, though research is still limited. The study highlights the need for more investigation into this overlooked exposure route, as the eyes are constantly exposed to airborne particles including microplastics.
Detection of microplastics in pterygium tissue: Implications for environmental hazards
Researchers detected microplastics in surgically removed pterygium tissue from a patient's eye, identifying ten particles including polyethylene, polystyrene, and polypropylene ranging from 5 to 99 micrometers. The findings suggest that environmental microplastics may commonly reach the ocular surface, raising concerns about eye-related exposure pathways.