Air pollution linked to increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts

An analysis of 41 studies has identified a link between increased exposure to air pollution and a higher risk of developing eye diseases, specifically glaucoma and cataracts. The strongest correlation was found with exposure to fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5.

Presented at the 44th Congress of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery in London, the research synthesized data from millions of participants across East Asia and the United Kingdom. While aging and conditions like diabetes remain primary risk factors, these findings suggest environmental pollutants play a significant role in ocular health.

Glaucoma affects approximately 80 million people globally by damaging the optic nerve, while cataracts affect over 94 million people by clouding the eye's lens. Although the research is observational and cannot definitively prove that pollution directly causes these conditions, researchers note that the results change the clinical perspective on how these diseases are understood.