A recent international study has shown that exposure to polluted air increases the risk of glaucoma and some serious eye diseases.
During the study, scientists analyzed the results of 41 observational studies that included data from millions of people in the United Kingdom and East Asia, where they assessed exposure to fine particulate matter PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ozone and carbon monoxide.
The results showed that people living in areas with polluted air were 70% more likely to develop glaucoma than residents of areas with cleaner air. The most obvious link was found with PM2.5, small particles found in smoke, car exhaust, and industrial emissions. When exposure to PM2.5 was high, the likelihood of developing glaucoma increased by about 8%, and cataracts by about 4%. As for age-related macular degeneration, the results were less conclusive.
Scientists hypothesize that long-term exposure to PM2.5 particles may promote inflammation and oxidative stress, damaging the optic nerve and lens of the eye, and that continuous exposure to polluted air damages the surface of the eye .
A British study had previously shown that people living in areas with polluted air are more likely to have thinner retinas, which is one of the early signs of glaucoma.
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