Affiliation:
1. Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
2. School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
3. Institute for Research in Ophthalmology, Foundation for Ophthalmology Development, 61-553 Poznan, Poland
Abstract
Purpose. To review the most recent evidence on the association of ambient air pollution with posterior segment ocular diseases. Methods. A search of the most recently published medical literature was performed in PubMed and Google Scholar on 10 December 2022. Articles published between 2018 and December 2022 were included in this rapid review. Studies that evaluated the association between ambient air pollutants (nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), particulate matters (PMs), total hydrocarbons (THC), nonmethane hydrocarbons (NMHC), benzene), and ocular posterior segment diseases (glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and retinal vascular diseases) were included. Results. Nineteen research articles met the inclusion criteria. Significant associations were found between PM2.5 and glaucoma, including primary open angle, primary angle closure, and normal tension glaucoma. An increased risk of AMD was linked to increased exposure to PM2.5, NO2, and CO. Single studies suggested that increased exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 is associated with diabetic retinopathy; THC and NMHC increased the risk of retinal vein occlusion; and CO, NO2, and PM10 are linked to an increased risk of central retinal artery occlusion. Conclusions. There is increasing evidence that toxic air pollutants have an impact on posterior segment ocular diseases, hence determining it as a potential modifiable risk factor for visual impairment.