It is well known that the impact of the environment on the human body starts well before we are born. Although protected by the mother’s natural immune system and nutrition, the placenta is not entirely efficient at isolating the fetus from everything the world has to offer.
Maternal health and stress play a large role in development of the unborn child.
Recently, interest has been expressed in determining what, if anything, might influence the vision of the child in development. A National Eye Institute funded study has undertaken to determine what pre-birth factors might influence the visual development of pre-school children. Interestingly, it has been found that both passive and active behaviors of the mother may have a significant effect on vision in the pediatric age group.
It has long been known that vision disorders in early childhood, such as crossed eyes, lazy eye and high levels of far-sightedness, can significantly impair the developing child’s, motor, vision and cognitive functions. Smoking during pregnancy, in particular, is extremely prevalent in our society, but exposure to new sources of nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes, is also a key player. This is of even more concern considering all the flavoring and scent additives now contained in some vaping solutions. It is believed that “methylation”, a change in chemistry leading to altered metabolism, is the root cause of the entire matter.
In the study, researchers are collecting neonatal umbilical cord blood samples and subjecting them to DNA profiling directed at determining if methylation has affected the genetic material. If so, this may be useful as a biomarker for trouble in children and provide direction and possibly early treatment for the ill effects caused. At the very least, it will be valuable as an educational tool for expectant mothers.
Although in its early stages, this study has the potential to identify problems before they become damaging to the child. It is possible that screening expectant mothers for potential chemical modulators of harm may have a bearing on preventing behavioral, cognitive, motor and vision issues in childhood.