Ambient Air Pollution and Vision Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The effects of air pollution on physical health are well recognized, with many studies revealing air pollution's effects on vision disorder, yet no relationship has been established. Therefore, a meta-analysis was carried out in this study to investigate the connection between vision disorder and ambient particles (diameter ≤ 2.5 µm (PM_2.5), diameter ≤ 10 µm (PM₁₀)) and gaseous pollutants (nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), Ozone (O₃)). Twelve relevant studies published by 26 February 2024 were identified in three databases. A pooled odds ratios (ORs) of 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were obtained using random-effects meta-analysis models. Meta-analysis results revealed that for every 10 µg/m³ increase in PM_2.5 and NO₂ exposure, a substantially higher incidence of vision disorder was observed (OR = 1.10; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.19; OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.16). No significant correlation existed between exposure to PM₁₀, SO₂ and CO and vision disorder. However, O₃ exposure was negatively associated with vision disorder. In addition, subgroup analyses revealed that PM_2.5 exposure was significantly correlated with the risk of glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration and that children and adolescents were more susceptible to NO₂ and PM_2.5 than adults. Overall, exposure to air pollutants, especially PM_2.5 and NO₂, may increase the incidence of vision disorder.