[Climate change and ocular surface diseases]

The ocular surface is directly exposed to environmental influences. Noxae that have already been identified for the ocular surface are heat, air dryness, pollutant gases, fine dust particles and ultraviolet radiation.

The current literature was used to investigate the relationship between frequent ocular surface diseases and various environmental factors and to analyze their development over the years.

Epidemiological studies on dry eye disease and allergic conjunctivitis have shown an increase in the incidences in recent years. Environmental pollutants have been identified as disease triggers. In addition, the prolonged pollen season and increased pollen concentrations are also risk factors. There is also a higher prevalence of pterygium in population groups with high UV exposure. Other diseases with potential environmental pathogenesis are acute photokeratitis, photoconjunctivitis and malignant melanoma of the conjunctiva.

For ocular surface diseases, large epidemiological cohorts have shown climate-related increases in the incidence. A further increase in environmentally associated noxious substances can be expected in the coming decades. In addition to measures to mitigate climate change, the underlying mechanisms of disease development and new approaches to prevention and treatment, such as room humidification, air filters or contact lenses with UV filters, should be investigated.