Women who suffer from anorexia have a significantly thinner macula and nerve layers that macula needs for the supply of food; also, the electrical activity of the eye is much smaller...
It has long been known that anorexia causes serious physical and psychological disorders, and recently it has been discovered that it can also seriously damage the eyes. Scientists have analyzed the thickness of the macula, called the "yellow spot", and its activity in both eyes with anorexic and healthy women.
The yellow spot is located near the back of the eye and is responsible for detailed central vision and processing of light. Research has shown that the macula in women with anorexia is significantly thinner, just like the layers of nerves that suppy the food for macula; also, it was discovered that the electrical activity of the eye is smaller.
The authors of the study say it is still not certain whether the thinning of the macula and decreased activity of neurotransmitters represent the initial phase of progressive blindness, or do these symptoms return to normal state when an anorexic person is cured of the disease.
In developed countries, about three percent of women suffer from anorexia, and this serious medical condition becomes more common even among men. Anorexia is the third of chronic disorders among teenage girls, and every tenth girl dies from anorexia.
Taken from: www.zdravzivot.com
