[Ocular surface and outdoor air pollution: A systematic review]

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Environmental Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Air pollution has known systemic health impacts, but its effects on the ocular surface are less understood.
• The ocular surface is directly exposed to environmental pollutants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing literature on the association between air pollution and ocular surface diseases.
• To identify specific pollutants and environmental factors linked to eye conditions.

Main Methods:

• A literature review was conducted, analyzing articles published from 1966 to October 2020.
• 33 relevant studies were selected from 661 identified articles.
• Pollutants examined included particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), ozone (O3), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (SO2), alongside temperature and humidity.

Main Results:

• Nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2) showed the strongest correlation with ophthalmic diseases.
• High temperatures and low humidity levels were identified as aggravating factors for the ocular surface.
• Significant heterogeneity and methodological inconsistencies across studies necessitate cautious interpretation of results.

Conclusions:

• Air pollution control is crucial for eye health.
• Development of new studies employing reliable methodologies is essential to clarify the clinical effects of environmental factors on the ocular surface.