Climate change: Impact of increased ultraviolet radiation and water changes on eye health

Abstract

Global climate change, a significant\raddition to the spectrum of environmental health threats, is projected to have\rwidespread adverse effects on the earth over a multi-decadal time period.\rConsequently the planet’s geological, biological and ecological systems,\rincluding human biology\rand health are expected to be altered. These effects are set to include an increase in adverse climate and weather events. The developing world carries a\rdisproportionate burden of health\rimplications that result from extreme climate and weather events, largely because\rthey have limited capacity to respond to the cumulative impacts resulting\rfrom climate change. The developed world, however, is not immune to the impacts\rof climate change despite being highly industrialised and well serviced. In addition, there are a range of documented health impacts associated\rwith climatic factors and a growing number of papers theorising how long-term\rclimate change could impact on health. This article examines literature\ron the impact of climate change, specifically ultraviolet and water changes on eye health. Geographic and environmental factors\rthat influence eye health, such as location and the spread of blindness\rcausing diseases such as trachoma (bacterial infection of the eye) and\ronchocerciasis (parasitic disease in the eye) are also examined. The article\raims to provide valuable information on the impacts of ultraviolet and water\rchanges that are related to climate change and to propose recommendations\rthat contribute to public health.