On the second Sunday of every March at 2 in the morning, the nation’s clocks collectively jump forward an hour. It’s daylight saving time. And for many, it’s a royal pain.
We lose an hour’s sleep.
Lawmakers are always talking about eliminating the time change. Implemented to conserve energy, first during World War I and then again for the Second World War, many think it’s outlived its usefulness.
Scientists say moving the time disrupts our circadian rhythm, our internal cellular clock that keeps our bodies tuned to the planet’s rotation. That has consequences for good health.
Now, scientists say moving clocks back in March poses another hazard — it might endanger good vision.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports suggests the springtime change might trigger proliferative diabetic retinopathy and neovascular age-related macular degeneration, both of which can progress to blindness.
Researchers combed health insurance data for more than 12 million people between the ages 18 and 64. They found a significantly higher risk of the conditions in the month following the time change.
Scientists also found that gaining an hour on the first Sunday of November was associated with a lower risk of these eye problems.
Blame it on our circadian rhythm.
The body releases more stress hormones when we lose sleep. Coupled with changes in blood pressure and glucose control caused by a disrupted rhythm, this can damage the eye’s sensitive small blood vessels.
The study is another lesson in the importance of our circadian rhythm, the same phenomenon that causes jet lag. Disrupt it at your peril.