The effects of mycotoxins in the eyes

The effects of mycotoxins in the eyes

How mycotoxins affect the vision

That’s an excellent and often overlooked question — mycotoxins can indeed affect the eyes and vision, both directly (by irritating ocular tissues) and indirectly (through inflammation, oxidative stress, and nervous system effects). Let's see how:

1. How mycotoxins reach the eyes

Mycotoxins can enter the body by:

• Inhalation of mold spores or contaminated air (especially Aspergillus or Stachybotrys)

• Ingestion of contaminated food

• Absorption through skin or mucous membranes

Once in the bloodstream, they can reach the optic nerve, retina, and ocular surface, and also provoke systemic inflammation that affects the eyes.

2. Direct effects on the eyes

🔹 a. Irritation of the ocular surface

• Dryness, redness, watery eyes

• Burning, itching, or gritty sensation

• Light sensitivity (photophobia)

Why: Mycotoxins and mold spores can trigger inflammation in the conjunctiva and cornea, similar to an allergic response.

🔹 b. Inflammation of the eyelids and sinuses

• Puffy or swollen eyelids

• Eye pain or pressure behind the eyes

• Blurred vision when sinus pressure increases

Why: Mold exposure often causes sinus inflammation → congestion around the orbit (eye socket) → secondary eye symptoms.

3. Indirect / systemic effects on vision

🔹 a. Neurotoxic damage

Some mycotoxins (e.g. ochratoxin A, trichothecenes, aflatoxin B1) can affect the optic nerve and retinal neurons. Possible results:

• Blurred or fluctuating vision

• Difficulty focusing

• Light sensitivity

• Eye strain

• Rarely, peripheral vision changes (from optic nerve stress)

🔹 b. Oxidative stress in ocular tissues

The retina and cornea are rich in polyunsaturated fats and easily damaged by oxidative stress.
Mycotoxins deplete antioxidants like glutathione and vitamin A, which are essential for healthy eyes.

Possible outcomes:

• Faster eye fatigue

• Dry eyes

• Slower adaptation to light changes

• Possible contribution to macular or lens stress over time

🔹 c. Vascular and inflammatory effects

Mycotoxins can damage small blood vessels (microangiopathy) and promote inflammation in ocular tissues. Possible outcomes:

• Eye redness

• “Pressure” feeling

• Blurred vision (from vascular inflammation)

4. Typical symptoms of mycotoxin-related eye stress

Dry, irritated eyes ->Direct contact / oxidative stress

Redness, tearing-> Allergic-type inflammation

Light sensitivity ->Retinal or optic nerve irritation

Blurred vision ->Neurotoxic or vascular effects

Puffy eyelids ->Sinus or immune response

Eye pain / pressure ->Sinus inflammation or nerve irritation

“Brain fog” + visual fatigue->Central nervous system toxicity

How to protect the eyes

1. Protect the eyes from irritation

a. Keep the surface hydrated

• Use preservative-free artificial tears (avoid those with benzalkonium chloride).

• Blink often when using screens.

• Maintain good room humidity (40–50%).

b. Reduce environmental exposure

• Avoid staying in damp, musty rooms.

• Use HEPA air purifiers to filter mold spores and mycotoxin particles.

• If cleaning mold, wear protective goggles and an N95 mask.

c. Protect against light and oxidative stress

• Wear sunglasses outdoors or in bright environments.

• Take screen breaks (“20-20-20 rule”: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

2. Support antioxidant defenses (crucial for the retina and optic nerve)

Mycotoxins deplete antioxidants such as glutathione, vitamin A, and carotenoids, which protect the eyes from oxidative stress.

🥦 Nutrients and foods that help:

Glutathione: Main cellular detoxifier (Asparagus, avocado, spinach, sulfur-rich foods (garlic, onion)

Vitamin C: Supports collagen, vessel health (Citrus, kiwi, peppers)

Vitamin E: Protects eye cell membranes (Nuts, seeds, olive oil)

Carotenoids (lutein, zeaxanthin): Filter blue light, protect retina. (Kale, spinach, egg yolks)

Zinc & selenium: Support antioxidant enzymes.(Pumpkin seeds, fish, Brazil nuts)

Omega-3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory, lubricate eyes. (Fatty fish, flaxseed, chia).

4. Calm the immune system

Mycotoxins can overstimulate mast cells → histamine release → eye redness and itching.

Ways to calm this:

• Foods rich in quercetin (apples, onions, capers)

• Vitamin C (natural antihistamine)

• Reducing high-histamine foods (aged cheese, alcohol, fermented foods) if sensitive

5. When to see a specialist. Consult an ophthalmologist or optometrist if:

• Blurred vision persists

• You have pain behind the eyes, visual field loss, or new floaters

• Light sensitivity becomes severe

• There’s swelling that doesn’t go down with rest

They can check for inflammation, dryness, optic nerve health, or retinal stress — and may coordinate with your primary physician if systemic toxicity is suspected.

If you have the impression that you are having more problems with your eyes and you don't know the cause, talk to your doctor. But keep in mind what you have read. This was also the problem in all the members of our family!