A diet abundant in sugar, particularly fructose, might heighten the possibility of developing ocular ailments. Researchers from the Second Medical University of Shandong in China arrived at this conclusion. The findings of their study are featured in the scientific journal Experimental Eye Research.
The scientists focused on examining the impact of fructose, which constitutes a major source of added sugar in contemporary diets. Most of it enters the body not alone, but as part of sucrose and industrial sweeteners. The rise in its consumption is observed alongside an increase in instances of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, all linked to vision pathologies.
Prior research indicated that excess fructose initiates several processes within the body that are potentially harmful to the eyes. These include the depletion of energy reserves in liver cells, the generation of uric acid, heightened oxidative stress and persistent inflammation, as well as disturbed lipid metabolism and weakening of the intestinal barrier.
In the novel meta-analysis, Chinese experts closely investigated the so-called “gut–brain–eye axis.” Experiments on mice revealed that alterations in gut microbiota composition due to a high-sugar regimen can amplify inflammatory signals affecting the retina, the eye’s vascular layer, the macula, and mechanisms regulating intraocular pressure.
The combination of these influences increases the susceptibility of eye tissues, especially under conditions of metabolic strain. The study’s authors suggest that reducing fructose intake potentially can lower the hazard of eye diseases, although a direct cause-and-effect link is not yet fully established.
The investigators believe that future prevention and therapy for eye conditions might involve not only managing sugar levels in the diet but also methods aimed at decreasing oxidative stress and restoring gut microbiota equilibrium.
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