Impact of Air Pollution and Weather on Dry Eye

Abstract

Air pollution has broad effects on human health involving many organ systems. The ocular surface is an excellent model with which to study the effects of air pollution on human health as it is in constant contact with the environment, and it is directly accessible, facilitating disease monitoring. Effects of air pollutants on the ocular surface typically manifest as dry eye (DE) symptoms and signs. In this review, we break down air pollution into particulate matter (organic and inorganic) and gaseous compounds and summarize the literature regarding effects of various exposures on DE. Additionally, we examine the effects of weather (relative humidity, temperature) on DE symptoms and signs. To do so, we conducted a PubMed search using key terms to summarize the existing literature on the effects of air pollution and weather on DE. While we tried to focus on the effect of specific exposures on specific aspects of DE, environmental conditions are often studied concomitantly, and thus, there are unavoidable interactions between our variables of interest. Overall, we found that air pollution and weather conditions have differential adverse effects on DE symptoms and signs. We discuss these findings and potential mitigation strategies, such as air purifiers, air humidifiers, and plants, that may be instituted as treatments at an individual level to address environmental contributors to DE.

The Protective Effect of Topical Spermidine on Dry Eye Disease with Retinal Damage Induced by Diesel Particulate Matter2.5

“…The ocular surface is composed of the corneal and conjunctival epithelium, corneoscleral limbus, nerves and tear film [ 30 ]. The ocular surface serves as a barrier to chemicals, microbes and other airborne matter and provides anatomic, physiologic and immunologic protective functions [ 30 , 31 ]. Therefore, the ocular surface could be an accessible model to study the direct influence of air pollution on human health [ 31 ].…”

Poor Air Quality: A Dark Cloud of Filth Poisons

“…Kioumourtzoglou et al [29] studied the impact of air pollution and found evidence of the risk factor for neurodevelopment conditions in kids and neurodegenerative conditions in grownups. The effects of air pollution on humans depend on exposure, age, immunity, and predisposing conditions [11], resulting in nausea, respiratory problems, skin inflammation, organ failures, and cancer [30]. The Size comparison [21,23].…”

“…epidemiological research on air pollution suggests that adverse effects primarily on cardiovascular and respiratory organs; however, the other organs may also damage [30][31][32][33]. WHO [27] published in their report below death percentages:…”

Revisión sistemática y metaanálisis sobre la relación entre la productividad laboral y la enfermedad de ojo seco en pacientes con ojo seco no relacionado con Sjögren y con el Síndrome de Sjögren

“…Dentro de los no modificables contamos con factores individuales, como la edad, el sexo femenino, el origen asiático y la presencia de trastornos autoinmunitarios como el Síndrome de Sjögren, entre otros (11) . En cuanto a los factores de riego modificables, se han descrito, el uso de lentes de contacto, la exposición a condiciones ambientales adversas en el trabajo (baja humedad relativa, alta temperatura ambiental) (12) y las ocupaciones con altas demandas visuales (13,14) , entre otros. Es importante llevar a cabo medidas encaminadas a prevenir estos últimos, en aras de mejorar la calidad de vida de los trabajadores y lograr así un impacto positivo en la salud de la población (6) .…”