September 14, 2021 - EyeClarity Blog
What do your eyes have in common with an old crust of bread? They can both perish under the attack of mold over time. Not only does mold often go undetected, its results are often misdiagnosed and mistreated as simple allergic reactions while the real problem develops into something more serious. It’s common to rub puffy, itchy eyes, but in the case of mold as a factor, it can ultimately be a sign of – or even lead to serious eye disease.
Mold has a negative connotation. Don’t let it. It’s incredibly common. What’s less common is the knowledge you will gain from reading this article. So you’re already ahead of the game!
First, there are several types of mold which may result in eye conditions, discussed in detail below. But all types of mold are considered dangerous and should be professionally removed as soon as it’s suspected or detected. To do this, easily, here is a link to mold professionals in your area: https://www.mold-advisor.com/find-a-contractor.html.
You know that different types of mold exist. Common molds tend to be lighter/grayish in color. Toxic black mold, however, which is all too common in homes, workplaces and cars, is a dark greenish-black color for which to keep your eyes out. (Even then, most toxic mold goes undetected for long periods of time — not only behind your fridge or in a workplace or vehicle — but inside your body. Once in the body, mold spores have a holiday! They’ve got the perfect conditions of darkness, warmth, enclosure, relatively little moving air, and nothing preventing them from spreading gleefully. So don’t fear; read on and be empowered over this creepy yet all too-common serpent that spreads like silent wildfire unless it’s put out. There is power in knowledge. And victory in action.
Breathe in, breathe out. But who knows if you’re breathing in microscopic mold spores? Oftentimes, no one does, until it’s too late. Mycotoxins from mold are exceedingly toxic to us, and dramatically challenge our good health. So herein lies your arsenal of knowledge for prevention and if needed, healing. Never dismiss simple “allergies” or even mold allergies for the real danger mold’s presence can cause.
Look here! Are your eyes: blurry, inflamed, suddenly sensitive to light, burning, having trouble seeing clearly, even looking bloodshot (no, not just from last night’s mistaken extra cocktail) or eye floaters, these are proven symptoms of mold toxicity. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest eye doc. (Actually, have someone drive you, so you don’t run in circles!)
According to The Toxic Mold Advisor website, Fusarium (just one toxic mold known to adversely affect eyes)… infects the eye, skin, and nails. “It also can cause diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and excessive internal hemorrhaging. It mimics estrogen in the human body and can attack the reproductive organs.” Another, perhaps lesser-known but important strain of which to be mindful, is “Propylparaben:” it is a white crystalline solid found routinely in cosmetics, skin care products and even food. It’s been found to attack your “eyes, skin, intestinal and respiratory tracts upon contact, ingestion, and inhalation, respectively.” So always try investing a bit more in naturopathic products and organic foods — look away from the higher purchase price for these — it’s far less costly than contenting with serious health maladies and eye conditions such as pain, tearing and disease. It’s a good idea to not dismiss eye problems resembling allergy symptoms as merely allergies.
You or someone you know has probably suffered the common infection called “pink eye” (conjunctivitis), known for its pink-ish/redness of the eye. These eyes water, burn, pain in the light, and/or let out a “puss” discharge and is a fairly common eye infection. What many folks don’t realize is that pink-eye is tricky because it could be brought on by a virus, or a bacteria, or allergens, or daily irritants, or yes, mold.
Another eye infection commonly caused by mold is “Keratitis.” This infection of the cornea (the clear tissue over your iris and pupil), is not just caused by parasites, viruses or bacteria, but – you guessed it – mold. Several different kinds, actually. Contact lens wearers often suffer this without realizing the potential gravity of the situation. Whereas anti-fungal medications can treat this, prolonged sufferers will find long-term degeneration of the cornea that results in blindness, with our without a corneal transplant, depending on how advanced the condition has become.
Other types of mold that start out manifesting themselves as a mere inflammation, actually lead to serious eye infection as a precursor to blindness.
If your eye infection is Rhinocerrebral mucormycosis, caused by a type of mold known as “Mucor,” it spreads to through the nose and into the brain. Fever and headache often accompany this severe condition, which may lead to permanent brain damage as well, if left untreated.
The U.S. EPA guides us with 10 Things You Should Know about Mold:
- Potential health effects and symptoms associated with mold exposures include allergic reactions, asthma and other respiratory complaints.
- There is no practical way to eliminate all mold and mold spores in the indoor environment; the way to control indoor mold growth is to control moisture.
- If mold is a problem in your home or school, you must clean up the mold and eliminate sources of moisture.
- Fix the source of the water problem or leak to prevent mold growth.
- Reduce indoor humidity (to 30-60%) to decrease mold growth by:
- Venting bathrooms, dryers and other moisture-generating sources to the outside
- Using air conditioners and de-humidifiers
- Increasing ventilation
- Using exhaust fans whenever cooking, dishwashing and cleaning
- Clean and dry any damp or wet building materials and furnishings within 24-48 hours to prevent mold growth.
- Clean mold off hard surfaces with water and detergent, and dry completely. Absorbent materials such as ceiling tiles, that are moldy, may need to be replaced.
- Prevent condensation: Reduce the potential for condensation on cold surfaces (i.e., windows, piping, exterior walls, roof, or floors) by adding insulation.
- In areas where there is a perpetual moisture problem, do not install carpeting (i.e., by drinking fountains, by classroom sinks, or on concrete floors with leaks or frequent condensation).
- Molds can be found almost anywhere; they can grow on virtually any substance, providing moisture is present. There are molds that can grow on wood, paper, carpet, and foods.
Be savvy. Mold, as commonplace as it is, doesn’t just live in old, wet, un-kept buildings and cars. It grows wherever there’s been a hidden leak, like those around window and A/C units, but it happily thrives and spreads on/above ceilings, wood, drywall, carpets, furniture, fabrics, cardboard and paper products, even in farmer’s hay and everyday dust. Clearly, this sneaky serpent isn’t just showing itself in open view in obvious places. It’s stealth. You won’t smell it, see it, or know it’s there until it’s too late, as is the case for countless suffering Americans. Not to mention your children and their children.
In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould pdf icon[PDF – 2.65 MB]external icon {Summary} pdf icon[PDF – 167 KB]. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies.
But you can conquer this. Knowledge is power. Be the champion of your household, workplace and vehicle – ultimately, your and your family’s long, healthy happy life. How? Mandate semi-annual in-home/car/workspace consults with mold evaluation/removal pro’s in your area who come highly recommended. (NOTICE – they’re required to wear special eye protective gear just to come in and check these spaces: hence the dangers of living and working around molds unprotected.) Keep humidity levels low (30-50%). Never leave flooded or standing water around. Do not mix bleach products with ammonia or other cleansers. Keep kitchen and bathroom areas well-ventilated and dry. Remove carpet from moist areas in the house for another flooring option. Fix the leaks in the house – or hire someone who will. If you suspect a mold problem exists in your house and may require time to remedy, find a safe place to stay until the problem is remedied.
While the gravity of this subject is great, so is the value of protecting your health and eyesight. So, live your home life with positive energy, lots of fresh moving air, due diligence, and just look out for signs of that persnickety little guy who loves to wreak havoc on happy lifestyles… before your very eyes.