International Study Reveals Link Between Air Pollution and Serious Eye Diseases

A recent international study has found that exposure to air pollution significantly increases the risk of developing glaucoma and other serious eye diseases.

The study was based on an analysis of 41 observational studies involving data from millions of people in the United Kingdom and East Asia. Researchers assessed exposure levels to various pollutants, including fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10), nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone, and carbon monoxide.

The findings showed that people living in more polluted areas were up to 70% more likely to develop glaucoma compared with those living in areas with cleaner air. The strongest association was observed with PM2.5 fine particles, which are mainly produced by smoke, vehicle exhaust, and industrial emissions.

Higher exposure to PM2.5 was associated with an approximately 8% increase in the risk of glaucoma and a 4% increase in the risk of cataracts, while findings regarding age-related macular degeneration were less conclusive.

Scientists suggest that long-term exposure to PM2.5 may trigger inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially damaging the optic nerve, the lens, and the surface of the eye. This hypothesis is also supported by an earlier British study showing that people living in polluted areas had thinner retinas, a feature considered one of the early indicators of glaucoma.