Background: Environmental factors have been implicated in various eye pathologies. The purpose of this review is to synthesise the published research on environmental effects on eye disease.
Methods: Four databases were searched for terms relating to environmental exposures and ophthalmic disease. Titles and abstracts were screened followed by full-text review. Data was extracted from 118 included studies. Quality assessment was conducted for each study.
Results: Air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, nitrites, sulphur dioxide, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone and hydrocarbons are associated with ocular conditions ranging from corneal damage to various retinopathies, including central retinal artery occlusion. Certain chemicals and metals, such as cadmium, are associated with increased risk of age-related macular degeneration. Climate factors, such as sun exposure, have been associated with the development of cataracts. Living in rural areas was associated with various age-related eye diseases whereas people living in urban settings had higher risk for dry eye disease and uveitis.
Conclusion: Environmental exposures in every domain are associated with various ophthalmic conditions. These findings underscore the importance of continued research on the interplay between the environment and eye health.
Keywords: air pollution; climate; eye diseases; metals; urbanisation.
© 2023 Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists.