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Revealing new insights: Two-center evidence of microplastics in human vitreous humor and their implications for ocular health
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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 (MPs), an emerging environmental contaminant, have raised growing health apprehension due to their detection in various human biospecimens. Despite extensive research into their prevalence in the environment and the human body, the ramifications of their existence within the enclosed confines of the human eye remain largely unexplored. Herein, we assembled a cohort of 49 patients with four ocular diseases (macular hole, macular epiretinal membrane, retinopathy and rhegmatogenous retinal detachment) from two medical centers. After processing the samples with an optimized method, we utilized Laser Direct Infrared (LD-IR) spectroscopy and Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) to analyze 49 vitreous samples, evaluating the characteristics of MPs within the internal environment of the human eye. Our results showed that LD-IR scanned a total of 8543 particles in the composite sample from 49 individual vitreous humor samples, identifying 1745 as plastic particles, predominantly below 50 μm. Concurrently, Py-GC/MS analysis of the 49 individual samples corroborated these findings, with nylon 66 exhibiting the highest content, followed by polyvinyl chloride, and detection of polystyrene. Notably, correlations were observed between MP levels and key ocular health parameters, particularly intraocular pressure and the presence of aqueous humor opacities. Intriguingly, individuals afflicted with retinopathy demonstrated heightened ocular health risks associated with MPs. In summary, this research provides significant insights into infiltration of MP pollutants within the human eye, shedding light on their potential implications for ocular health and advocating for further exploration of this emerging health risk.
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Identifying and analyzing the microplastics in human aqueous humor by pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
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For the first time, researchers detected microplastics in the aqueous humor, the clear fluid inside the human eye. Five types of plastic were found, with polyethylene and PVC being the most common, and adults had more particles than children or elderly individuals. This discovery adds the eye to the growing list of human organs where microplastics accumulate, raising new questions about potential effects on eye health.
Intraocular microplastics and their association with age-related macular degeneration: Evidence from aqueous humor profiling and bioinformatics analysis
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Researchers examined fluid from inside the eye in people with and without age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and found microplastics in every sample. Polystyrene levels were higher in AMD patients than in controls, and higher PVC levels were linked to worse vision within the AMD group. Analysis suggested possible connections to inflammation-related biological pathways.
Detection and Characterization of Multiple Microplastics in the Human Retina
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Scientists detected microplastics in all 12 post-mortem human retina samples tested, with concentrations averaging about 49 micrograms per gram of tissue. Common plastics like polystyrene, polyethylene, polypropylene, and PVC were found, mostly as tiny fragments and fibers between 20 and 50 micrometers. This is the first study to confirm and measure microplastics in the human eye, raising new questions about whether these particles could affect vision or retinal health over time.
Microplastics exposures in cataract surgery and potential clinical concerns
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Scientists found tiny plastic particles called microplastics in people's eyes during cataract surgery, with higher amounts in patients who had diabetes or other eye problems. The plastic pieces were already inside the eye before surgery started, suggesting they came from everyday exposure rather than from the surgical tools themselves. This discovery raises concerns about how microplastics might affect eye health, though more research is needed to understand if they cause harm.
First evidence of microplastic pollution in human trabecular meshwork and its association with intraocular pressure in glaucoma
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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.
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