Questions: 1. What are the risk factors, including human physiological and metabolic indicators, metabolic diseases, dietary habits, lifestyles and physical activity patterns, as well as proteomics, genomics and environmental exposures, associated with the development and progress of refractive errors, pediatric eye diseases, retinal disorders (including diabetic retinopathy and age-related macular degeneration) and thyroid eye diseases? 2. How do parental lifestyle, physical activity patterns and dietary patterns influence the occurrence and severity of refractive errors and pediatric eye diseases in their offspring?
Objective: The overall goal of this project is to investigate the association of metabolic diseases, diet, physical activity, and lifestyle factors, as well as genetic, proteomic, environmental risk factors with the development and progression of ocular diseases including refractive errors, pediatric eye diseases, retinal disorders, and thyroid eye diseases.
Scientific rationale: Ocular diseases, such as refractive errors, pediatric eye diseases and retinal disorders, are significant public health concerns affecting individuals across all age groups. These conditions not only impair vision but also impact quality of life and productivity. Understanding the multifactorial etiology of these diseases is crucial for developing prevention and treatment strategies. Ocular diseases are influenced by a complex interplay of metabolic, genetic, proteomic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and hyperlipidemia can cause damage to multiple tissues, affecting the eye, endocrine system, nervous system and circulatory system. Genetic predispositions increase disease risk, while proteomic profiles reveal molecular mechanisms behind disease development. Environmental exposures, including pollution and UV radiation, and lifestyle factors such as diet and screen time, further influence the conditions.
