Air pollution ‘linked to higher glaucoma risk’

Author: Agencies

Air pollution could be linked to a higher risk of glaucoma, according to a new study. Scientists observed that living in a more polluted area was associated with a greater likelihood of having the debilitating eye condition that can cause blindness.

The research team found that people in the most-polluted 25% of areas were at least 6% more likely to report having glaucoma than those in the least-polluted quartile.

They were also significantly more likely to have a thinner retina, one of the changes typical of glaucoma progression.

Experts suggest particulates may damage the nervous system and contribute to inflammation.

According to the study published in Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, eye pressure was not associated with air pollution.

The researchers say this suggests air pollution may affect glaucoma risk through a different mechanism.

Lead author Professor Paul Foster, of University College London’s Institute of Ophthalmology, said: “We have found yet another reason why air pollution should be addressed as a public health priority and that avoiding sources of air pollution could be worthwhile for eye health alongside other health concerns.

“While we cannot confirm yet that the association is causal, we hope to continue our research to determine whether air pollution does indeed cause glaucoma, and to find out if there are any avoidance strategies that could help people reduce their exposure to air pollution to mitigate the health risks.” The findings were based on 111,370 participants of the UK Biobank study cohort who underwent eye tests from 2006 to 2010 at sites across Britain.

The participants were asked whether they had glaucoma and underwent ocular testing which measured intraocular pressure, and a laser scan of the retina.

Their data was linked to air pollution measures for their home addresses, from the Small Area Health Statistics Unit, with the researchers focusing on fine particulate matter – equal or less than 2.5 micrometres in diameter, or PM2.5.

The study’s first author, Dr Sharon Chua of UCL’s Institute of Ophthalmology and Moorfields Eye Hospital, said: “Air pollution may be contributing to glaucoma due to the constriction of blood vessels, which ties into air pollution’s links to an increased risk of heart problems. “Another possibility is that particulates may have a direct toxic effect damaging the nervous system and contributing to inflammation.”

Share
Leave a Comment

Recent Posts

  • Pakistan

Senate resolution rejects India’s bid to link Pakistan to Pahalgam attack

The Senate on Friday unanimously passed a resolution against India's attempt to link Pakistan to…

4 hours ago
  • Pakistan
  • World

US monitoring situation but ‘not taking position on IIOJK’

The United States has once again condemned the terrorist attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu…

4 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Pakistan to approach WB over suspension of waters treaty

Minister for Defense Khawaja Muhammad Asif on Friday said that Pakistan will approach World Bank…

4 hours ago
  • World

Pahalgam FIR highlights loopholes in Indian narrative

A First Information Report (FIR) filed at an Indian police station has cast doubt on…

4 hours ago
  • Pakistan

PM demands transparency in PIA privatisation process

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed the relevant authorities to ensure "transparency" in the…

4 hours ago
  • Pakistan

Pakistan united to face any aggression: Bilawal

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday strongly condemned India's reported decision…

4 hours ago